the United States of America Ambassador to Uganda Natalie E Brown has urged Ugandans who haven’t been vaccinated to do so.
Speaking at the launch of the Film and culture week between Uganda and the USA, the diplomat cautioned people to get vaccinated against the covid 19 virus that according to the Ministry of Health-Uganda has had over 45,000 confirmed cases and 316 deaths with only a total of 541,569 people vaccinated out of a total popullation of over 40 million Ugandans.
The 3 day event that started today (28/5/2021) and ends on 30th/5/2021 went under the theme “Film as a tool for culture expression and economic development ment to bring out culture in film as well as bring economic development to the country.
The Ambassador was the guest of honour, major. Gen. Kayanja Elly the chief guest who came on behalf of the Minister for Gender, and the Executive Director, Uganda National Cultural Center (UNCC) graced the event.
speaking to the few that physically attended the event due to covid19 S.O.Ps and those viewing online, she recalled the love she had for movies as a young child and the Americans in general.
she noted the advantages of technology saying it has helped bridge the barriers for creators to tell thier stories and also allow access to a wide population.
“Borders are no longer a barrier. Content today is increasingly digital and delivered on platforms that bring entertainment directly to consumers around the world”. She said
“For example manyAmericans when they think about film in Ugandan what comes to mind is the charming film “queen of katwe”. She added.
After making some research online, the ambassador observed that due to online platforms, American families especially during the covid19 pandemic continue to access and watch “Queen of Katwe” online although it is more than 5 years old.
Mrs. Natalie projected tremendous potential of the Ugandan film industry and mentioned various ways the USA is supporting the Ugandan film industry.
Over the years, we have provided exchange opportunities to send ugandan film makers to Los Angeles through the American film show case program and to bring USA film makers to Uganda”. She said in part.
Uganda is a country rich in culture and talent and so much gathered around us today”. She added.
The Ambassador advised film makers to keep telling thier stories and growing thier creative industries as the American government trys to find ways of connecting Ugandan arts and works with the counterparts in the USA.
Asked on concerns by local film makers about government’s reluctance to reach out to international community to help them Maj. Gen. Kayanja Elly said that those saying so are not informed.
“IIt’s not true because if you make research when do you think national theater was built? And who built it if not the government? That shows that government started long time ago after noticing that these things help, entertainment, education, and are economical too”. He responded to a question aboutgovernment’s involvement now rather than before.
Mr. Ojede, the Executive Director, UNCC noted the importance of film and culture.
Culter is a source of revenue. We are all able to benefit from culture because as you have heard from her speech [the ambassador], in the US it’s the number one contributing to the G.D.P and even in Uganda it’s getting thier.
The event saw many organisations in the film industry show case thier work and importance to the film industry.
