Uganda’s film industry is on the rise, and MultiChoice Uganda is playing a pivotal role in its growth.
In a recent masterclass held at the UCC headquarters in Bugolobi, the pay-TV giant trained local filmmakers on the art of casting, equipping them with the skills needed to elevate their craft.
This initiative is part of a three-month celebration marking the fourth anniversary of Pearl Magic Prime, MultiChoice’s flagship local content channel.
Why Casting Matters
Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR & Communications Manager for MultiChoice Uganda, emphasized the importance of casting in creating compelling stories.
“We’re helping filmmakers and content creators select the right people for the right roles,” he said. “This ensures better productions and aligns with the vision of scriptwriters, producers, and directors.”
The training, Jamugisa explained, is needs-based.
“Filmmakers tell us what they need, and we step in to uplift their skills. This is part of our Corporate Social Responsibility through the MultiChoice Talent Factory.”
Breaking the Casting Monotony
One of the key goals of the masterclass is to break the cycle of repetitive casting in Ugandan films.
By introducing filmmakers to diverse talent and innovative casting techniques, MultiChoice aims to bring fresh faces and perspectives to the screen.
The Surge in Local Content Demand
Jamugisa noted a significant increase in demand for Ugandan content, crediting MultiChoice’s efforts to nurture the industry.
“We aim to continue being Uganda’s most loved storyteller through Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime,” he said.
The Piracy Problem
The masterclass also addressed a pressing issue: piracy. Jamugisa didn’t mince words, calling it “theft” that harms the entire industry.
“Imagine a filmmaker invests shs200 million in a film, paying actors, set designers, makeup artists, and more. If someone steals that content and shares it illegally, the filmmaker loses out on revenue. This affects their livelihood and the taxes the government could collect,” he explained.
Jamugisa urged the public to join the fight against piracy. “When you support pirated content, you’re hurting the very people who create the stories you love.”
A Brighter Future for Ugandan Filmmaking
Through initiatives like this masterclass, MultiChoice is not just training filmmakers—it’s building a sustainable ecosystem for Ugandan storytelling.
By addressing critical issues like casting and piracy, the company is helping to shape an industry that can compete on the global stage.
Uganda’s film industry is brimming with potential, and with partners like MultiChoice, the future looks brighter than ever.
Let’s support local content and say no to piracy!
