By Aulah Najjuuka
Emmanuel Illungole a young filmmaker recently graduated from Uganda Christian University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Communication won a grant from the European Union to produce a film. The Standard’s Aullah Najjuuka had a one on one with him about the making of the film, his passion for film making and UCU’s contribution to nurturing his career choice.
Aullah: How did you get the grant? (Did you apply for it?)
Emma: Yes I applied for the grant. Actually it was a competition which was called “Opportunities are here Uganda” sponsored by the European Union. So after applying, we went through auditions where we were required to make short films; luckily, I was chosen to be part of the 15 people they needed. After that they shortlisted us to 9 members and we are the ones that got the money.
Aullah: How much were you given and what do you hope to achieve with the help of this money?
Emma: We were given $1000 which is approximately 3.7million Uganda Shillings. And about what I hope to achieve, we were given the money to work on our own projects and I have already worked on mine, just waiting to be sent out to the public , hopefully, I will grow an audience and have a platform to work on my next project.
Aullah: Have you already decided the name of the new film? What is it called?
Emma: The film is titled “GUY’S NIGHT” and just like I said it has been completed.
Aullah: How do you feel about this win and what does it mean to you?
Emma: I feel good because I was chosen among the best of almost 1000 people. This shows me that I’m doing what I’m supposed to do and just being noticed and appreciated makes me so happy.
Aullah: What are your prospects in regard to filmmaking?
Emma: I plan on doing filmmaking as my full-time career and also change the perception towards the Ugandan film industry because as we all know it’s not that good, mostly among the youth and yet they make the biggest population percentage.
Aullah: When did you realize you wanted to major in filmmaking?
Emma: My friends and I worked on our first ever project “MY DEGREE” at UCU and it was also a short film by Brian Kaboggoza. After working on this, that’s when I knew this was my calling and it’s been a beautiful journey ever since.
Aullah: Which people supported you through the journey of filmmaking?
Emma: Very many people have helped and supported me but I’d say Kabogoza Brian because he is the one that introduced me to film making. He was working on his short film “MY Degree” and he asked me if I could help him out and that’s how I got involved. So yes I have had so much support from my family and friends but Brian supported me from the start and believed in me and I don’t take that for granted.
Aullah: What is your advice to the young people who wish to take the same road as you?
Emma: One thing I can tell young people is that filmmaking never has a time to start. All I know now I have learnt on the job, filmmaking is practice so no one should tell you that you need a masters or very expensive equipment, start with what you can and you will pick as you move on, God willing.
Aullah: In the African setting, parents’ support and advice are very important in shaping their children’s careers or talents. Did yours have a hand in your current path and what advice would you give to the parents?
Emma: I would say my mum has supported me all through because she has given me the freedom and space to express myself. She didn’t push me into white collar courses and even after graduation she didn’t push me into a job like most parents would do and let me do my own thing and I thank her for that. As for parents , they should know their consent means so much to their children. No one wants to be at a crossroads with their parents so they should support their kids all through as long as their dreams don’t harm anyone then I don’t see why you wouldn’t support your child.
Aullah: How have the knowledge and skills gained from UCU’s study programme and the members of the faculty facilitated you in winning the grant?
Emma: Yes UCU indirectly made all this happen. The course unit that really showed me that this was my calling was drama and documentary that we did in our last semesterof 2023. We were tasked to produce our own film as a class and my classmates trusted me to direct the it. That was my first project to direct. And I knew this was it.
