MultiChoice Uganda together with communications regulator Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) brings Uganda’s traditional folktale in a short film; Nambi — that tells a story of a goddess, Nambi (played by Doreen Nabbanja) who had to give up her powers in exchange for a life on earth with a caveman, Kintu (played by Bint Kasedde) against the advice of her father Ggulu (played by Michael Musoke).
The short film showed for the very first time in a screening at Century Cinemax, Metroplex Naalya on May 30th, 2023, and did manage to capture the attention of many movie lovers.
Nambi, an adaptation from the original Ugandan Kintu folk tale, tells the popular story from a fresh perspective that introduces her (Nambi) character to the minds and hearts of audiences in a new and compelling way.
Peter Mukiibi the director of the film expressed the importance of showcasing Ugandan culture to the younger generations. “By bringing this traditional tale to the screen, the film will help preserve, and promote the Ugandan and Buganda culture, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation,” he said.
Mukiibi articulated adding that adapting this story into a short film ensures that the narrative is not lost to time while showcasing the country’s rich heritage and mythology to a wider audience.
He pointed out that it is a great opportunity for retelling the Kintu story from a fresh perspective with his wife Nambi at the forefront as the dominant and main character — considering that the story has been passed on from generation to generation and may have been altered over the years.
Nambi not only tells the compelling story of Kintu through Nambi’s eyes but also reflects on the challenges women face — from pursuing their birthright to lead in traditional and non-traditional institutions.
Owek. Robert Nsibirwa the Deputy Katikiro of the Buganda Kingdom commended the cast and crew of Nambi for the great investment, especially in technology used to bring out the Buganda tradition.
“On behalf of the King and the entire Buganda kingdom, I congratulate you upon this initiative, we pledge our support to make sure this film goes beyond our boundaries,” he said. “Thank you for the sacrifice to try and show the world our culture.”
Nsibirwa applauded MultiChoice for its investment in local content. “My family and I are always glued onto Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic Prime because of the relatability of stories. “Personally I love Mizigo Express and I thank the MultiChoice team for bringing Ugandan content even closer to us.”
Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager MultiChoice Uganda remarked that the film resonates with the continued need for us to tell local stories that enrich the lives of viewers.
“We continue to pride ourselves in creating opportunities for filmmakers in Uganda to connect with their audiences through the stories they tell,” he said. “Nambi is one such example that has both historical and futuristic nuances in telling of its story.”
Jamugisa observed that “Watching Nambi is a thrilling experience that weaves the use of Technologies like CGI in its delivery allowing viewers to experience the story firsthand like you are right there, in it.” “This film holds immense value as it explores societal and cultural nuances that foster unity and shape our collective identity.”
Jamugisa said the film industry in Uganda is growing and we should acknowledge its significance as a major employer and driver of economic growth.
Ruth Kibuuka the Manager of Content Development at UCC demonstrated the commission’s goal to improve the film industry socially, economically, and politically.
Nambi stars Bint Kasedde as Kintu, Doreen Nabbanja as Nambi, Jenkins Joel Mutumba as Kayikuzi, and Opio Moses Isingoma as Ggulu — as the main cast.
Nambi is one of the many films that will be shown across the different cinemas in Uganda as part of the tenth celebration of the Uganda Film Festival (UFF).
The film has been nominated for the 2023 UFF in the category of best short film. Mukiibi has called upon Ugandans to vote for the film. “We are pretty excited about the nomination in the Uganda Film Festival and I implore my fellow countrymen to vote,” he said.
Nambi employed a 70-person crew while attracting crews from Belgium and USA emphasizing Uganda’s proactive coproduction strategy.
