FULL LIST: Ugandan talents shine as Kitale Film Week 2025 list of nominees

Nominees for the Kitale Film Week 2025 announced. Ugandan filmmakers Denis Junior Dhikusooka, Nodryn Evanci Kabuye, and Mariam Ndagire are among those recognized.

Ugandan filmmakers have made a strong showing in the Kitale Film Week 2025 nominations, with several films and filmmakers from the country making the cut. The nominations, announced December 23, feature a diverse range of films from Uganda and beyond, showcasing the best of African cinema.

Among the Ugandan nominees are Denis Junior Dhikusooka’s sci-fi thriller “Mission Xylara”, which is set in 2056, and Nodryn Evanci Kabuye’s heartfelt drama “Half Chocolate Half Vanilla”, which explores themes of self-acceptance and love.

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Other notable Ugandan nominees include “The Forbidden Land” by Mathew Nabwiso (Best Documentary), “The Last Breath” by Hassan Mageye (Best Short Film), and “The Price of Love” by Mariam Ndagire (Best Actress).

The full list of nominees can be found below:

Best Feature Film:
“Mission Xylara” (Uganda) – Denis Junior Dhikusooka
“Nawi” (Kenya) – Kevin Schmutzler, Toby Schmutzler, Apuu Mourine Munyes, and Vallentine Chelluget
“Hanami” (Cape Verde) – Denise Fernandes

Best Short Film:
“Half Chocolate Half Vanilla” (Uganda) – Nodryn Evanci Kabuye
“The Last Breath” (Uganda) – Hassan Mageye
“Tiny Winnie” (Kenya) – Joshua Kasyu Wambua

Best Director:
Denis Junior Dhikusooka (Uganda) for “Mission Xylara”
Kevin Schmutzler (Kenya) for “Nawi”
Denise Fernandes (Cape Verde) for “Hanami”

Best Actress:
Mariam Ndagire (Uganda) for “The Price of Love”
Sarah Hassan (Kenya) for “Nawi”
Tatu Nne (Tanzania) for “The Forbidden Land”

Best Documentary:
“The Forbidden Land” (Uganda) – Mathew Nabwiso
“Descendants of Broken Heroes” (Kenya) – Ian Kiprono
“Our Land, Our Freedom” (Kenya) – Wanjiru Kinyanjui

The winners will be announced during the festival, which promises to be a celebration of African cinema and talent.

In a statement, the festival organizers said: “We are thrilled to announce this year’s nominees, which showcase the incredible talent and diversity of African cinema. We look forward to celebrating these films and filmmakers during the festival.”

The Kitale Film Week 2025 is set to be a highlight of the African film calendar, with a range of activities and events planned, including film screenings, workshops, and panel discussions.