Movie Lookout: iMANi

Amidst the chaos that is pouring out of Uganda in the past month or so including the walk to work protests and the Kill the Gays Bill, a gem has been shining through the dust raised by the furor to catch the attention of the international community.

iMANi is a movie that follows the lives of three Ugandans, taking an intimate and very personal look at their lives, the struggles they have to overcome and their placement within the vibrant and varied fabric that constitutes life in a land as diverse as Uganda. In some ways not very different from life anywhere on this planet, the characters deal with familial issues, reconciliation, corruption and navigating complicated communities for their own betterment. On the other hand their own unique perspective is projected into our minds so that for a few minutes we can inhabit their lives and deal with issues we may have never had to face.

Sister team, Caroline and Agnes Kamya, have written and produced this fascinating film which has gained much acclaim by international film associations including Cario International Film Festival, BFI London International Film Festival, DIFF Durban International Film Festival and Tarifa Film Festival among others.

A short interview by the film's director and producer, Caroline Kamya, reveals a number of things that are exciting for movie lovers everywhere.

• There are a plethora of intricate interesting stories depicting lives outside of our own that allow us to wonder and the human spirit and resilience we hope to see in ourselves.
• There is hope for the movie industry as long as we look outside Hollywood's very small tight walls.
• It is time for writers, producers and directors everywhere to band together and produce entertainment that could potentially revitalize the World.

I hope that wherever you are, you will be able to see this excellent movie. Check for a screening somewhere near you!