Veronica’s Wish sweeps the UFF Awards uff December 10, 2018 uffblog2018 Veronica’s Wish was the biggest winner of the evening as the Uganda Film Festival (UFF) awarded some of the best Ugandan films on Friday. The film which tells a story of a woman who struggles with love after she is diagnosed with a terminal illness won nine awards including the top gong – Best Feature Film, Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography among others. Besides its winning script, the other interesting thing about the movie is that it’s among the few Ugandan movies that was written, produced and directed by women. Nisha Kalema, who plays the lead role, wrote and produced the film while Rehema Nanfuka directed it. Rehema Nanfuka, who was also named Best Director, in her acceptance speech, thanked Uganda Communications Commission for organizing the annual festival that gives them a platform to showcase their films and also extended gratitude to other female directors who have paved the way for her. On her part Nisha Kalema, who won the Best Actress award for her role in Veronica’s Wish postulated that the film is a nod to woman empowerment. “Women are more than just pretty faces that have to look good and smile for the cameras.” She said in her acceptance speech for the Best Actress award. “We are passionate, creative and if we come together we can do great things.” In other awards, 94 Terror, which was also one the mostly nominated films this year managed to scoop one award in the Viewer’s Choice category. The Best Actor award went to Raymond Rushabiiro for his role in Five Days To Live, while Lifetime Achievement Award went to Abbey Mukiibi. The award gala, held at the Kampala Serena Hotel gardens, was the culminating event of the week-long festival that was marked by several activities which included film screenings, film exhibition market, workshops and trainings. Guests who arrived for the red-carpet ceremony dressed to the nines were welcomed to a mini-cocktail party, before later being treated to dinner as the winners were announced. There was a music interlude with singers Chameleone and Winnie Nwagi taking to the stage, much to the excitement of the audience. The evening was hosted by Flavia Tumusiime and Roger Mugisha. Here’s the full list of winners: Best Student Film Idi Amin’s Boat Best Short Film Kyenvu Best Animation Chebet Best East African Film World Tofauti Best African Film Sometimes In Yesterday Best Actor in TV Drama Ejule Paul (Taste Of Time) Best Actress in TV Drama Nantambi Juliet (Mistakes Girls Do) Best TV Drama Mistakes Girls Do Best Costume & Prodiction Design Veronica’s Wish Best Sound Veronica’s Wish Best Editing & Post Production Veronica’s Wish Best Cinematography Veronica’s Wish Best Screen Play Veronica’s Wish Best Supporting Actor Simon Base Kalema (Veronica’s Wish) Best Supporting Actress Stella Nantumbwe (Bella) Best Actor Raymond Rushabiiro (Five Days To Live) Best Actress Nisha Kalema (Veronica’s Wish) Viewer’s Choice Award 94 Terror Best Feature Film Veronica’s Wish Best Film Director Rehema Nanfuka (Veronica’s Wish) Lifetime Achievement Award Abbey Mukiibi
