Ugandan Filmmaker Loukman Ali Makes History at AMVCA with Record-Breaking Wins

Ugandan filmmaker Loukman Ali has made history by breaking records and achieving remarkable success at the prestigious Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA). The AMVCA, an annual accolade presented by MultiChoice, recognizes outstanding achievement in television and film. In previous editions of the awards, Uganda received only a few nominations, but the 9th Edition held on May 20, 2023, in Lagos, Nigeria, marked a significant turning point for the country.

Uganda's film industry made a strong impact at the 9th AMVCA, securing an impressive total of 17 nominations across multiple categories, including feature films, short films, documentary, comedy, telenovela, and TV dramas. This surge in nominations highlights the growing recognition of Ugandan talent and the industry's ability to produce compelling and high-quality content.

Among the nominees, Loukman Ali stood out with three nominations, showcasing his versatility and expertise in the field. Two of his nominations were for his contributions to the blockbuster Nigerian film of 2022, "Brotherhood," where he served as both the cinematographer and director. This dual role demonstrated his multifaceted talent and commitment to bringing captivating stories to the screen. In addition to his involvement in "Brotherhood," Loukman Ali was also recognized for his exceptional work in the short film "Sixteen Rounds."

The culmination of the awards ceremony brought tremendous success for Loukman Ali. Not only did he win the Best Cinematographer award for his remarkable visuals in "Brotherhood," but he also emerged victorious in the Best Director category for the same film. This double triumph not only signifies his exceptional skills in capturing captivating imagery but also highlights his ability to helm a project with vision and finesse. Loukman Ali's achievement of winning two AMVCA awards in a single night is an unprecedented feat for a Ugandan filmmaker, solidifying his place in the history of the prestigious awards and the broader African film industry.

Loukman Ali's success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers in Uganda and across the continent. His accomplishments shine a spotlight on the immense talent that exists within the Ugandan film industry and reinforce its growing presence on the African stage. Furthermore, his recognition at the AMVCA elevates the overall reputation of Ugandan cinema, paving the way for future collaborations, opportunities, and international recognition.

As the Ugandan film industry continues to flourish, artists like Loukman Ali are at the forefront, pushing boundaries, and challenging stereotypes. Their dedication and creativity are helping to shape the narrative of African cinema, proving that talent knows no boundaries. The remarkable journey of Loukman Ali serves as a testament to the power of passion, hard work, and unwavering commitment to storytelling. With each accolade and milestone achieved, Ugandan filmmakers are carving out a distinct identity and leaving an indelible mark on the global cinematic landscape.

The star was absent and his awards were received by the team from Brotherhood and other Ugandan nominees including Hannington Bugingo and Mathew Nabwiso.

Other Ugandan nominees were Anne Kansiime for her reality show Kan See Me, Nathan Magoola for his telenovela Prestige, Nisha Kalema and Allan Manzi for the musical Junior Drama Club (JDC) and Morris Mugisha for the Tembele  among others.

The crew from "Anikulapo", a Netflix original, also won big under technical categories such as Best Sound Design, Soundtrack, Screenplay, Best indigenous language film and Best Film Overall.

The film  "Brotherhood" was the highlight of the  night  since it took home five  awards for “Best West African Film”, “Best Actor for Tobi Bakre”, “Mathew Yusuf for lighting design” and Loukman’s “Best Director” and  “Best Cinematography”.