Wakariwood is more than just a production company. It’s a ragtag filmmaking ethos born out of sheer creative drive. Founded in 2005 by writer-director Isaac Nabwana, the studio based in the slums of Wakariga, Kampala, Uganda, is an African actor inspired by Rambo and Chuck Norris. is making a low-budget ultra-violent action movie starring
Katherine Zubek’s documentary, Once Upon a Time in Uganda, is as playful as Nabwana’s daring film, with Ugandan filmmaker and American producer Alan “Sari” Hoffmanis. It explains how an unlikely partnership reshaped African cinema.
The documentary is initially told from Hoffmanis’ point of view. He explains how the trailer for Nabwana’s “” was made.Who Killed Captain Alex?Watching “” on YouTube inspired him to travel to Uganda, where he witnessed a pure film culture that was completely different from the cynical film business that had burned out in America, and became Nabwana’s multi-hyphenate creative partner. I decided to live permanently in an African country. Wakariwood movie.
Chubaek paints the relationship between Nabwana and Hoffmanis like an artistic roller coaster ride. The two are either happily collaborating on screenplay ideas for cannibal movies, or clashing over studio directives. Chubaek’s strategy means that Harriet, Nabwana’s wife and studio head, will receive less attention, leaving Hoffmanis’ desire to share Wakariwood’s “discoveries” with the world through the white eye.
The film is at its best when it captures Nabwana’s quick wit, the enthusiasm of the local volunteers who serve as actors and staff, and the joy his films bring to film-hungry Ugandan audiences. “Once Upon a Time in Uganda” is a reminder of how the art of filmmaking can make dreams come true.
Once Upon A Time In Uganda
Unrated. Running time: 1 hour 34 minutes. at the theater.
