Ugandan film ‘I am Much More’ reaches for glory in Spain

KAMPALA, September 24, 2024 – A Ugandan film acted by children from Katanga slum in Kampala is set to premiere at the Marbella International Film Festival (MIFF) in Spain.

The film titled “I am Much More” is a product of the charitable efforts of Rotary District 9213 and Help Africa, a non-governmental organisation, who teamed up to empower vulnerable children through basic education, skills and talent identification and development.

Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) later stepped in to complement the efforts of Rotary District 9213 and Help Africa by donating an air ticket to the star of the film, eighteen-year-old Prossy Nabasumba, to facilitate her flight to Spain for the film’s premiere, which is due on October 7, 2024.

The film “I am Much More” is among the few selected from some 600 films that expressed interest. The characters in this film are children from some of the poorest families in Katanga, one of the biggest slums in Kampala.

Since 2022, Rotary District 9213 under its the Basic Education and Literacy Enhancement Programme (BELEP), has devoted resources and focus towards enhancing the efforts of the Ministry of Education and Sports and other partners to support basic education and literacy. Consequently, various interventions have been made in the areas of music, dance and drama to promote the education, film and tourism sectors in Uganda.

The Marbella International Film Festival is an international cultural festival that brings together artists and film producers from all over the globe to display their talents through their films. The 19th Marbella International Film Festival will take place within the first week October 2024.

During a brief ceremony held at UCC head office on Tuesday, Ms Nabasumba expressed gratitude to Help Africa for changing her life by lifting her from her plight in the slum. She also thanked UCC for sponsoring her air travel fare to Spain.

The UCC Executive Director, Hon. Nyombi Thembo, cautioned the young actors and actresses to guard against falling prey to the trappings of their newly found celebrity status, advising them to remain disciplined and focused on their goals.

Mr. Nyombi explained that UCC stepped forward to sponsor Nabasumba because supporting the youth is in line with the Commission’s commitment to empowering young people in the audio-visual sector to leverage their talents and fulfill their potential. The event was also attended by parents of the youth, the CEO of Help Africa, Mariam Mirembe Kayaga, the Governor Rotary District 9213, Anne Nkutu, and the past Governor, Rotarian Mike Sebalu.