Princess Faridah Ndausi, an acclaimed Ugandan and Nollywood actress, producer, and television host, emphasized that government participation could significantly enhance the creative and cinematic partnerships between Nigeria and Uganda.
Speaking at the recent Kaduna International Film Festival (KADIFF), Ndausi highlighted that, up to now, the collaboration between the two countries‘ film industries has been primarily driven by filmmakers and cultural events such as KADIFF, rather than institutional support.
The history of Ugandan-Nigerian film collaborations dates back to 2006 when Ndausi made her acting debut in “Roses In The Rain,” a film shot in Uganda featuring Nigerian stars Clarion Chukwura and Zach Orji.
Since then, she has appeared in numerous productions including “Before The Rain” (2008) alongside Desmond Elliot, Tonto Dike, and Chika Ike, as well as “Yankee Boys” with Emeka Ike and Jim Iyke, and “Shedrach, Meshach, and Abednego.”
Today, this partnership has evolved beyond Ugandans simply acting in Nigerian films or hosting shoots in Uganda; it now includes Ugandan productions featuring Nigerian actors, as seen in Ndausi’s own films like ‘See Through Me’ and ‘Shadow Face,’ which star Nigerian talents Clems Ohameze and Yvonne Jegede.
Moreover, the exchange between the two nations extends to Nigerian actors traveling to Uganda to conduct workshops, support local film award ceremonies such as the Icon Awards, and foster industry growth.
A landmark development occurred last year when KADIFF signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Uganda’s Pearl International Film Festival (PIFF), creating a platform for increased visibility and distribution of films across both countries.
Nevertheless, Ndausi insists that for these creative partnerships and co-productions to flourish, active government involvement is essential-not only through funding but also by establishing frameworks that encourage collaboration between East and West African creatives.
She proposed, “If the Nigerian government could collaborate with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) and jointly explore ways to support our industries, it would lead to remarkable outcomes. The initiative shouldn’t rest solely on the shoulders of actors; governmental bodies must play a role.”
On Uganda’s contributions, she pointed out the country’s strengths in skilled directing, compelling storytelling, and capable production teams.
While expressing gratitude to Nigerian actors like Emeka Ike and Segun Arinze, as well as directors Emma Ayalogu and Cele O. Cele for their mentorship and support of Ugandan creatives, Ndausi observed a shift in Nigerian cinema towards prioritizing commercial success over narrative depth.
In contrast, Uganda’s film industry places a strong emphasis on meaningful storylines, messages, and cultural relevance. This focus has been reflected in Uganda’s consecutive dominance at KADIFF, where it has won the most awards and submitted the highest number of films for three years running.
“In Nigeria, filmmaking is often viewed primarily as a business venture, with less attention paid to the storyline. Ugandan filmmakers, however, dedicate themselves to crafting narratives that resonate emotionally and leave lasting impressions. Our films are message-driven,” Ndausi explained.
She added, “Every industry has to start somewhere. The Ugandan film sector faced challenges initially, but it is steadily growing stronger. Directors and scriptwriters are vital to producing quality films, and Uganda is fortunate to have talented individuals in these roles. Additionally, producers here are increasingly willing to invest substantial resources into filmmaking without focusing solely on immediate profits, which is fueling the industry’s progress.”
At KADIFF 2025, Uganda secured six out of sixteen awards, particularly excelling in categories like animation, experimental film, and documentary-areas where Nigeria’s industry is less prominent. This presents an ideal opportunity to deepen collaborative efforts between the two countries’ film communities.
