The Ugandan film industry took another step forward on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, as the iKON Young Filmmakers Reunion 2025 unfolded at the Reach A Hand offices in Lungujja. The event brought together fellows from various cohorts of the iKON Fellowship, along with established filmmakers, for a day of dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration. Beginning at 11 a.m., the reunion carried an energy of reflection and anticipation as young storytellers shared their progress and vision for the future.
From the start, the discussions centred on growth and accountability. Musime Linda, representing Reach A Hand, explained that the reunion provides an important platform for planning future cohorts while strengthening iKON as a brand. Her remarks set the tone, highlighting the purpose of continuity and community within the fellowship.
Renowned filmmaker and fellowship facilitator Usama Mukwaya reminded participants that the program acts as a stepping stone, but the real journey lies in personal commitment. “Your success depends on putting in the work,” he said, urging fellows to embrace unlearning and relearning as vital parts of their creative journey. The reunion, he added, also allows the program to track progress, gather feedback, and realign with industry demands.
KON Young Filmmakers Reunion Breathes Hope To Budding Film Makers
The fellows then engaged in a powerful conversation on how their approach to storytelling had evolved. Many shared that their pitching experience taught them the importance of effort, as funding requires more than ideas; it demands dedication and clarity. Others noted that the fellowship exposed them to the realities of the industry, from navigating financial dynamics to understanding the discipline required to thrive in filmmaking.
Adding to the momentum, Humphrey Nabimanya, founder of Reach A Hand, expressed joy at the reunion’s success. He emphasised the importance of uplifting female filmmakers through initiatives such as the Lesu FemPower program and praised fellows for contributing meaningfully to the Ugandan film industry. Nabimanya also confirmed the launch of Kwiso TV, a new streaming platform designed to showcase Ugandan films, generate revenue, and grow the industry. He encouraged fellows to pitch their projects, apply for future opportunities, and actively push their work, noting that streaming holds the future of storytelling as internet access becomes more affordable.
Nankya Shamsa, an iKON Fellow from the 2024/2025 cohort, shared a different perspective. She acknowledged that while the fellowship gave her skills and exposure, she faced challenges in the job market where some employers view fellows as overqualified. Her testimony sparked discussions on how young filmmakers can navigate industry perceptions while still leveraging their fellowship experiences.
As the session drew to a close, many fellows expressed gratitude for the mentorship and pledged to apply their newfound skills in future projects. The reunion ended on a celebratory note, with a luncheon that allowed participants to network, exchange pleasantries, and forge new collaborations.
The iKON Young Filmmakers Reunion 2025 not only provided a space for reflection but also reinforced the roadmap toward the 2026 iKON Awards. With programs like Kwiso TV, mentorship opportunities, and fellowships that challenge young creators, Uganda’s film industry is nurturing a generation of filmmakers ready to tell authentic stories and shape the future of African cinema.
