Oscar-nominated director Mira Nair founded Maisha, which means ‘life’ in Kiswahili, with the motto, “If we don’t tell our own stories, no one else will.” Since 2004, the collective has funded more than 700 participants from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda producing more than 75 short films.
Buy TicketsA Fork, a Spoon, and a KnightMira Nair and Zippy Kimundu
2014 | 13 min | Uganda
After surviving the loss of his mother and his house as a child, Robert Katende is now the coach of an internationally recognized team of chess champions—including Ugandan chess prodigy Phiona Mutesi. Coach Robert shares the inspirational story of his life and his village.
Rastasophical MoodArnold Aganze (Zizuke Zigashane)
2013 | 13 min | Uganda
Athen Dek has a curious mind and aspires to be a singer someday. But as a young Somali immigrant in Uganda, he often feels out of place, “without a home, without a family.” As Athen investigates the Rastafarian faith and the music of his local Somali-Ugandan community, he begins to share his own passions and dreams. Though his future is uncertain, he comes to find he is not alone.
My Prison Diary Patricia Olwoch
2014 | 8 min | Uganda
Patricia Olwoch is in love with a man serving three consecutive life sentences in a prison in the United States. For her, born and raised in exile, displacement has become a fact of life. Perhaps her letters to her love give her some sense of stability and home, or perhaps they keep her imprisoned too, and unable to move forward.
Created in the Image of GodJames King Bagyenzi
2014 | 9 min | Uganda
Mental illness often carries a stigma in Uganda—a reality challenged by this touching account of a family torn apart by schizophrenia. A younger brother remembers his joyous youth with his big sister; how, on the verge of self-discovery, they felt nothing could stop them. Now, with his sister institutionalized, he is feeling the loss of that relationship, and the need to begin again on his own.
Somebody Clap for Me Luciana Farah
2011 | 10 min | Uganda
“Get off the beat, remain with the words, and see what you have.” That is Abass Hassan Muhammad’s advice to the young hip-hop artists in Kampala, Uganda. Explore the resources available to young Ugandan poets: crowds at their open mics, passionate discussion in poetry circles, a community forming of poets and poetry lovers.
Within ReachSalome Mbuthia
2010 | 10 min | Uganda
Sarah Short has made a name for herself in the Ugandan music industry, and among her family, community, and peers. As a short-statured woman and once subject to a life of poverty, Sarah Short has overcome many obstacles–navigating a society, city, and industry not built with her in mind. Sarah reflects on her childhood dreams and her undying pursuit to make them come true.
