International Film producers have teamed up with local actors to prove to the world that art can be a powerful force for uniting people.
The latest testament of this reality, produced by Korean born Ugandan Young Kim, in collaboration with local film actors under their umbrella body Film Club Uganda.
The Director of The City of Dust, Young Kim says that in presenting this film in Partnership with Film Club Uganda; “We hope to promote the local Ugandan film industry as we set targets for bringing down the might of the Nigerian film industry which has taken a lead in churning out thousands of films into African industry.”
24 year old Kim came to Uganda in 1994 with his parents but left for United States to study film making in later years. He says that film has profound ability to change and transform the lives of Ugandans for better.
“As a film maker, I strive to create socially conscious stories working together with the Community for better lives.
Young Kim stresses that the aim of this film is to present to Ugandans and the World a local story in a unique and artistic way.
“We have collectively poured our energy and resources into this film and in doing so we hope to diversify and enrich the film industry and further dialogue among other film makers in Uganda to see the industry growing,” adds Kim.
In addition, Kim says, Nigerians are good at making money from films but that Uganda has got very good potential to supersede the Nigerians both in terms of making money but also in telling stories.
“We are seeking to create awareness about films and build the capacities to boost the quality of local film production and increase the opportunities of Ugandans,”
Thanks to his Korean roots as well as his interest in arts, Kim considers himself a cultural ambassador.
“I believe we are here to work for a better Uganda and a better world. As a cultural ambassador, I look forward to promoting cultural exchanges between Uganda and my native Korea,” Kim told The Sunrise during recent events to mark his country’s foundation day.
Felix Bwanika an actor in City of Dust adds that Uganda’s diverse themes ranging from war to love and culture give it greater market potential compared to Nigerian films that focus mostly in witchcraft.
City of Dust tickets are now on Sale at The National Theater at 15,000/= (ordinary) and 50,000 for VIPs.
