06/04/2026
🎬 *Lights, Camera, Eastern Rise* : Bugisu Hosts Historic Film Premiere Turned Regional Movie Convention
_By Walukhu Simon Peter_
Mable City, Bugisu Subregion — Eastern Uganda
What began as a simple film premiere blossomed into a landmark cultural spectacle, as GTS Film Productive hosted its first-ever movie debut—an event that unexpectedly evolved into a vibrant convention uniting the Eastern Uganda film fraternity.
Held at the lively Bandali Lounge in Mable City, the premiere drew an eclectic mix of filmmakers, distributors, cinema enthusiasts, and creative minds from across the region. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, signaling a new dawn for Eastern Uganda’s film industry.
At the heart of the event was Zaki Chris, CEO of GTS Film Productive and the visionary behind the award-winning Borrowed Womb. With confidence and flair, he unveiled the second episode of the Borrowed Womb project—cementing his growing influence in the regional film space.
The gathering featured an impressive lineup of industry heavyweights. Among them was Aliwuya Sadat, a celebrated and seasoned award-winning director, alongside notable creatives such as Emma Walugula and Nalyongo Shanita from the Busoga region. Also present were Director Pash from Busia and a strong delegation from the Samia filmmaking community.
Speaking with optimism, Director Aliwuya Sadat described the event as a turning point. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “Something big is cooking—something that will unite producers and filmmakers across the entire Eastern region.”
Echoing the sentiment, Emma Walugula—widely regarded as one of the most decorated actors in Eastern Uganda—expressed pride in the region’s creative output. “The best films are coming from the East,” he noted. “Now it’s our time to shine.”
In his closing remarks, Zaki Cris dedicated the event’s success to the spirit of collaboration. He highlighted the crucial role played by various production houses, emphasizing that unity and shared vision are the driving forces behind the region’s cinematic rise.
As the curtains fell and conversations lingered into the night, one thing became clear: Eastern Uganda’s film industry is no longer emerging—it is arriving, bold and unstoppable.
