Ugandan Film "Mr Otim" Secures Global Fellowship
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Loading... - Editha Simon
- 15 Nov 2024
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A Ugandan film titled Mr Otim is gaining international attention after being selected for the prestigious Global Media Makers (GMM) fellowship, marking it as the only feature film project from Africa in this year's cohort. Directed by Isaac Oboth, the film promises to shine a spotlight on Uganda's cinematic potential and storytelling.
Mr Otim tells the heartfelt story of a 36-year-old math teacher who faces a life-altering challenge when he discovers that his son, Michael, has a serious heart condition requiring urgent surgery. To afford the medical expenses, he takes on a second job as a kickboxer. The narrative unfolds with flashbacks to 15 years earlier, during the 1994 Commonwealth Games, where a young Otim faces a pivotal moment in his boxing career and personal life.
As a 20-year-old, Otim competes in the heavyweight finals while his family negotiates bride price with his fiancée's family. When his future father-in-law demands that he abandon boxing for a more respectable career, Otim is knocked out in the ring, leading to a series of life changes. Fast forward to the present, Otim is now a math teacher, happily married, but struggling with his son's health crisis. His journey leads him to Amal, a social enterprise that could help, but he faces challenges due to his religious background.
Oboth emphasizes that Mr Otim is a groundbreaking film for the region, stating, “A film such as Mr Otim has never been made in our part of the world. This will be the very first of its kind. It is a heartfelt, epic sports film about a black African man stepping up for his family when they most need him.” His personal experiences growing up in Uganda, where he and his peers often reenacted scenes from popular films, have inspired his passion for storytelling.
The GMM fellowship is designed to support filmmakers from around the world, and Oboth has found the mentorship invaluable. He reflects on the profound questions posed by mentors, particularly regarding the definition of success for the film. For Oboth, success means returning to his former self as a filmmaker.
The film is set to be produced by Heddwyn Kyambadde of Bweru Films, who has a long-standing friendship and creative partnership with Oboth. Kyambadde expresses a shared passion for telling underrepresented African stories, likening the film's emotional depth to that of the movie John Q, which centers on a desperate father's struggle.
Two notable Hollywood producers, Effie Brown and Dana Sims, are currently in Uganda scouting for filming locations. Brown is the CEO of Gamechanging Films, known for producing acclaimed works like Real Women Have Curves and Dear White People. Sims is a prominent talent representative with a roster that includes major artists across the entertainment industry.
Production for Mr Otim is slated to begin in mid-2025, with a potential release date in early 2026. The film's development is generating excitement not only for its narrative but also for its potential to elevate Uganda's film industry on a global scale.
As Mr Otim progresses, it stands as a testament to the rich storytelling tradition of Uganda and the growing recognition of African cinema in the international film landscape.
