Ugandan Films on Small Screens: A New Era for Filmmakers
A recurring question during Ugandan film premieres is where to find local films and TV series beyond Showmax and Pearl Magic channels. With the growing popularity of platforms like TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, filmmakers are now embracing these smaller screens to distribute their work, reaching wider audiences. This marks a new era for Ugandan films on small screens, where content creators produce original content tailored for digital platforms.
From skits to full-blown productions, filmmakers are creating serialized content and short films that cater to the rising digital audience. With the surge of content creators taking advantage of these platforms, more Ugandan filmmakers are choosing to share their work on small screens, reaching viewers without waiting for traditional media channels.
For instance, in late 2023, Hakim Zziwa, a well-known writer and director, premiered his second film, Boundary Mwisho, on YouTube. Zziwa’s first film, Building 62, gained over 30k views, and the second film surpassed expectations in terms of audience reach. Zziwa’s success underscores the growing importance of small screens like YouTube for Ugandan filmmakers.
Filmmakers Embrace Digital Platforms for Distribution
Filmmakers like Nersky are also embracing YouTube to release short films such as Jua Kali. Richard Mulindwa has uploaded a series of his older films and TV shows, including Lailah, The Torture, 94 Terror, and Mistakes Gals Do. By doing this, Mulindwa ensures his content remains accessible and protected from being lost or damaged.
YouTube has become an essential backup for various Ugandan films. Award-winning films such as Rain by the Nabwisos and Kafa Coh by Doreen Mirembe are available for free viewing. These films find an audience without relying on traditional broadcasting channels.
Read Also:
- The Best Beaches in Uganda: Top Relaxation Spots on the Pearl of Africa’s Shores
- Best Hostels in Uganda for Campus Students
Original Content and Serialised Dramas for Small Screens
Some filmmakers have gone further by creating original content specifically for small screens like YouTube. Filmmakers such as Loukman Ali have been producing and sharing short films online, gaining a following through direct engagement with audiences. Similarly, Wrist House Productions debuted City Girl, a serialized drama about a girl whose reckless actions lead to consequences, exclusively on YouTube. Adnan Ssenkumba, the producer, explains that they decided to release the series for free, rather than waiting for a commission from platforms like MultiChoice or Netflix.
Ssenkumba’s belief that the audience would come first, followed by potential commissions, is reflected in the success of the Junior Drama Club (JDC), which initially released a pilot episode on YouTube. The positive reception led to a full commission from MultiChoice.
Monetizing Ugandan Films on Small Screens
While the small screen content has a growing audience, one of the biggest challenges filmmakers face is how to generate revenue from their work. A few video-on-demand platforms have emerged, but their success in monetization is still uncertain. Despite this, filmmakers remain optimistic as more Ugandan films and TV series continue to find an audience online, and many are exploring ways to make their content financially sustainable.
This growing trend signals a clear opportunity for Ugandan films on small screens to not only break traditional barriers but also to transform how filmmakers distribute, engage with, and earn from their work. The rise of YouTube, TikTok, and other digital platforms provides an alternative distribution route that might just be the future of Ugandan film and TV, as filmmakers learn to adapt and explore new possibilities for revenue generation.
