Based on a story of Kintu the first man and Nambi which transpired way back in the fourteenth century in the Kingdom of Buganda, here’s a presentation of it through Nambi, a high-level production done by Denis Abwakat and directed by Peter Mukiibi.
The 28-minute film depicts what transpired during the famous Kintu and Nambi era and credits go to the brains behind its making because it’s one –of- a- kind you would say is not produced in Uganda but rather a Hollywood project. This is a clear manifestation thus far Uganda’s film/ movie industry has come.
The production, the costumes, sound effects all the way to make up and choice of the characters in Nambi, Uganda’s traditional folktale, are all top notch and right on point from the beginning to the end and leaves one in suspense, contemplating what would happen next and wanting more of it but hey, that’s ‘short’ films for you, they are indeed short and very interesting!
Shot in the great hills of Moyo-North of Uganda, Nambi showed for the very first time in a screening at Century Cinemax, Metroplex Naalya recently. The movie tells the story of Nambi, a goddess who gives up her powers in exchange for a life on earth with caveman Kintu against the advice of her dear father Ggulu. Her troublesome brother Walumbe attempts to hinder the affair while her youngest brother Kayikuzi does everything to protect her.
Kintu falls asleep after a long day in the wilderness, trying to hunt what to eat, he wakes up to a fine looking gorgeous fair young lady with sparkling eyes and mellifluous voice. Not wanting to waste any of his time anymore, Kintu starts admiring this goddess and was quick to know where she comes from.
“What do my eyes see? What are you, where are you from and what are you doing in my land?” asks Kintu. Nambi takes her time, smiles and responds to Kintu, “I landed here.”
Well after few minutes of admiring Nambi, Kintu advises her that they need to find shelter. Nambi, after spending some few minutes with Kintu, says she is getting late for her brothers could be looking for her and leaves without disclosing to Kintu her name and where she comes from as well as the identity of her brothers and this leaves Kintu wishing she had only stayed a little bit longer.
Owek. Robert Nsibirwa the Deputy Katikiro commended the cast and crew of Nambi for the great investment especially in technology used to bring out the Buganda tradition.
“On behalf of the King and the entire Buganda kingdom, I congratulate you upon this initiative, we pledge our support to make sure this film goes beyond our boundaries. Entrepreneurship is not easy, especially when you are not aware it will succeed. Thank you for the sacrifice to try and show the world our culture.” Nsibirwa commented applauding MultiChoice for their investment in local content. “My family and I are always glued onto Pearl Magic and Pearl Magic prime because of the relatability of stories, personally I love Mizigo Express and I thank the MultiChoice team for bringing Ugandan content even closer to us.”
Speaking at the movie screening, Rinaldi Jamugisa, PR and Communications Manager MultiChoice Uganda remarked that the film resonates with the continued need to tell local stories that enrich the lives of the viewers.
“We continue to pride ourselves in creating opportunities for filmmakers in Uganda to connect with their audiences through the stories they tell. Nambi is one such example that has both historical and futuristic nuances in telling of its story,” Jamugisa said, adding that, “Viewers today clearly relieved their time in schools and homes where the story was most told, giving a leap to imagination and bringing to life the story of the first man and woman in Buganda.”
Jamugisa observed that, “Watching Nambi is a thrilling experience that weaves the use of Technologies like CGI in its delivery allowing viewers to experience the story first hand like you are right there, in it. This film holds immense value as it explores societal and cultural nuances that foster unity and shape our collective identity.”
“The film industry in Uganda is growing and we acknowledge it’s significance as a major employer and driver of economic growth,” Jamugisa concluded.
Nambi, an adaptation from the original Ugandan Kintu folk tale, tells the popular story from a fresh perspective that introduces her character to the minds and hearts of our audiences in a new and compelling way.
Peter Mukiibi the director of the film expressed the importance of showcasing Ugandan culture to the younger generations.
“By bringing this traditional tale to the screen, the film will help preserve, and promote the Ugandan and Buganda culture, while also fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.” Mukiibi articulated adding that, “Adapting this story into a short film ensures that the narrative is not lost to time while showcasing the country’s rich heritage and mythology to a wider audience.”
Nambi not only tells the compelling story of Kintu through Nambi’s eyes but also reflects on the challenges women such as these mentioned, face in pursuing their birth right to lead in traditional and non-traditional institutions.
“The Kintu story has been passed on from generation to generation and may have been altered over the years. This makes a great opportunity for retelling the story from a fresh perspective with his wife Nambi at the forefront as the dominant and main character,” Mukiibi added calling upon Ugandans to vote for the film, “We are pretty excited for the nomination in the Uganda Film Festival and I implore my fellow countrymen to vote.”
Ruth Kibuuka the manager of content development at UCC demonstrated the commission’s goal to improve the industry socially, economically and politically.
Starring incredible names such as Bint Kasedde as Kintu, Jenkins Joel Mutumba as Kayikuzi, Opio Moses Isingoma as Ggulu and Doreen Nabbanja as Nambi, the film employs a whopping 75-person crew, a rare thing to come across in Uganda.
Nambi employed a 70-person crew while attracting crews from Belgium and USA emphasizing Uganda’s proactive coproduction strategy.
Nambi will be showing across the different cinemas in Uganda not just as part of the Uganda Film Festival but as a very interesting movie that many will love to get hold of. According to Abwakat, Nambi will be showing on cinemas in the USA and Belgium among other destinations.
Kampala Sqoop hasn’t yet established the cost of the making of Nambi but hey, look, it’s a dope film, don’t you dare miss it when an opportunity shows up in any of the cinemas in Uganda or even USA and Belgium among others.
