I loved this unique film about following your dreams. It’s a documentary set in the ghettos of Uganda where Isaac Nabwana makes comedy action films using ingenious methods and homemade props. Inspired as a kid by watching movies like Rambo, and films with Chuck Norris and Bruce Lee, Isaac releases the tension of the atrocities he witnessed as a child during the war in Uganda by making fun of violence and escaping into film. It’s his dream to be taken seriously in Uganda, but it is a steeply divided society with an on-high elite and then people like Isaac who live in poverty in the slums. The white man is held to be God by them says Isaac, so when Alan Hofmanis from New York comes out to Uganda just to meet him, his eyes light up. In fact, both men develop a lasting and mutually important friendship through a love of film and affection for the community in the ghetto outside Kampala, which Isaac has nicknamed Wakaliwood.

Isaac’s films, made with no budget but a wealth of creativity and technical ability, are already hitting millions of views on youtube before Alan gets there. It is implied that this would usually get the attention of big hitters in the US. But since Isaac’s own style and genre is very niche, it seems unlikely that such high-end companies would commission the kind of films he and his family and friends make. But Alan pledges to help Isaac and his community attain some international attention. As a former publicist he does this very well.

Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a truly brilliant film that makes you care about the people involved. It’s interesting to see the way of life in the Ugandan ghettos and how Isaac’s community make the best of everything and have great resilience even though they are at the bottom of the heap. They make films but can’t afford to go to the cinema. They make guns from old parts. Isaac builds his own computers and lights. Volunteers and family play the roles and design the costumes. And they film among the open sewers and sandy streets of the slums with enthusiasm and hope.

Hofmanis ended up staying many years with Isaac and his community, and helped them achieve more status and exposure. At the same time, he was more saved by his relationship with Isaac than the other way round. Isaac seems all at once a brother, a father-figure and a friend to Hofmanis, who – when he originally went to Africa – was broken-hearted and lost.

Directed by Cathryne Czubek, this is a wonderful film about an artist and his community seeking recognition and respect, and having fun pursuing their dream in the midst of deprivation and with barriers to success that would defeat most people.

Ailie Hunter
Latest posts by Ailie Hunter (see all)