Uganda’s film industry received a timely boost as Pearlwood, the country’s umbrella body for filmmakers, held its long-anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) on July 1st, 2025, at the National Theatre’s CFCA Space. The meeting, filled with updates, leadership changes, and bold plans, offered a fresh sense of direction for Uganda’s growing film community.
Aisha Namatovu Asiimwe, who continues to lead the Producers Guild, was re-elected to her post, symbolizing continuity in leadership. The meeting opened with a prayer from Ms. Nabawesi Bella, before diving into key issues shaping Pearlwood’s next chapter.
The executive secretary, in his remarks, reminded members that leadership at Pearlwood is about service—not status. He also addressed recent hurdles, such as the failed YOTV partnership, which ended due to a breach of agreement. Attempts to work with Afro Mobile didn’t yield much either, as the platform wasn’t optimized for film content. However, Pearlwood is now moving in a promising new direction thanks to support from UNESCO and the Ministry of Gender, which will help establish a dedicated film market tailored to filmmakers' needs.
One of the biggest highlights was the Producers Guild report, which showed real progress. The newly launched Pearlwood Production Hub now offers professional-grade film equipment—like high-resolution cameras and stabilizers—to members at affordable rates. For filmmakers, this is a major breakthrough in overcoming long-standing access issues.
Pearlwood also officially unveiled Stream East, an OTT (Over-the-Top) platform created with support from UNESCO under the REFILE project. This digital platform allows local filmmakers to distribute their content directly to audiences, without relying on external broadcasters. With $99,000 invested in its creation, Stream East is a critical tool in helping Ugandan cinema go global.
Looking beyond borders, Pearlwood announced the Eastern Africa Filmmakers Summit, set to take place in Kampala from July 8th to 10th. The event will bring together creatives from eight countries including Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Zambia. It’s designed to encourage cross-country collaborations, policy discussions, and regional growth in the film sector.
Pearlwood’s community outreach also came into focus during the meeting. Through the A Life for Lives initiative, the organization is partnering with schools to tell stories of former students who succeeded through education. So far, two films have been produced and one is already available on Stream East, with more in the works. The aim is to inspire young people and promote the value of staying in school through the power of film.
Leadership changes were also on the agenda. The Actors Guild saw a significant shift as Eunice Achan was replaced by Mutonyi Agnes as President. The new team includes Ssendagire Emmanuel as Vice President and Abwalo Ruth Emegu as Secretary, supported by a fresh committee. On the Producers Guild side, longtime member Mzee Bwanika was re-elected Secretary, ensuring institutional memory and continuity.
Pearlwood is also making strides legally and structurally. It has officially registered the Pearlwood Awards as a business, secured the Stream East trademark, and formalized its operations. This legal foundation strengthens trust with stakeholders and paves the way for long-term industry sustainability.
Operating out of their office at the National Theatre, Pearlwood continues to push its advocacy agenda through the CfCA podcast, aiming to secure more government funding for the Culture and Creative Industries (CCI). These steps are helping shift Pearlwood from being just a creative collective to a structured, forward-thinking industry body.
More than just building equipment hubs and launching streaming platforms, Pearlwood is helping redefine the identity of Ugandan cinema. Its focus on youth engagement, digital expansion, and regional collaboration is creating a solid base for a competitive and vibrant local industry.
With the upcoming Filmmakers Summit and a growing catalogue on Stream East, the momentum is clear. Pearlwood’s renewed vision and actions offer a model not only for Uganda, but for any emerging film market striving to tell its own stories, its own way.
