BY MARVIN TWIINAWE
The anticipation was palpable as the evening sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the hallowed halls of Uganda Christian University (UCU) in Mukono.
It was a night destined to be etched in the annals of the university’s history, a night when the campus came alive with the magic of cinema. The occasion? The premiere of “My First Year,” a feature film born from the creative genius of UCU students.
The premiere, held at Nkoyoyo Hall on Friday , 29th September 2023 was a spectacle of glitz and glamour.
It was nothing short of spectacular. Renowned Host Maf Mahany took center stage as the chief host, infusing the evening with his inimitable charisma and flair.
The evening began with an opening prayer by Rukh shana Namuyimbwa, a News Anchor and presenter on NBS Tv in the midst of Amanya Leonard ,a Film officer at Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), who graced the occasion as the guest of honor, adding an air of prestige to the event.
Rukh shana Namuyimbwa/Courtesy picture
Beyond the cinematic experience, the night unfolded as a showcase of diverse talents. Enthralling performances, including singing, rapping, and instrumental acts, captivated the audience. The talent on display was a testament to the vibrant arts and culture scene at UCU.
The red carpet moment at the “My First Year ” premiere was a dazzling spectacle that added an extra layer of glamour to the event.
The male cast and crew members made sartorial elegance with their glamorous suits and a touch of cultural flair with some donning African wear.
As the stars of the film graced the red carpet, it was clear that the allure of their attire extended beyond convention.
While most donned glamorous suits or African wear,Mubiru Mansoor who acted as”josh’‘ inthe movie attire stood out as a testament to creativity. This member of the cast , inspired by previous MET GALA shows, embarked on a journey of sartorial exploration. After perusing a multitude of iconic outfits, the spark of inspiration ignited.
The vision of a Cowboy OldTownRoad theme took shape. The result was a striking attire that paid homage to this creative revelation, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to the red carpet moment.
On the other hand, the female cast and Crew members graced the red carpet in resplendent dresses, a kaleidoscope of colors ranging from passionate reds to vibrant pinks, dazzling white ,oranges, and classic blacks.
SOME PICTURES FROM THE RED CARPET MOMENT
The Director, Brian Kabogozza, epitomized sophistication in a sharp suit, setting the tone for the evening.
The red carpet was not only a symbol of opulence but also a canvas wear style, culture, and individuality converged in a dazzling display of fashion.
Distinguished guests, including Uganda Christian University (UCU) Guild President Timothy Ddumba, marveled at the students’ ability to produce edutaining movies that redefine impact.
“I love how students of Uganda Christian University challenge themselves through producing entertaining movies, that is an example of redefining impact,” Ddumba said.
He also celebrated some of the Guild leaders who had various roles in the movie .
As the premiere moment approached, excitement built in the hall .The film promised to be a powerful tribute to the resilience and determination of Ugandan students embarking on their university journey.
It would also highlight the creativity and passion of UCU students who came together to share their stories with the world.
The Director of the movie ,Brian Kabogoza expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received and extended thanks to parents, partners, and Uganda Christian University for fostering an environment where talents could shine.
In a candid moment, Brian challenged UCC (Uganda Communications Commission) for not nominating their projects for awards, expressing a desire for recognition. With charm and charisma, he introduced the cast to the eager audience before the film’s premiere.
The heart of “My First Year” lies in its portrayal of four diverse students, each navigating the tumultuous waters of their first year at university. This cinematic journey invites viewers to step into the shoes of these protagonists, experiencing the trials and triumphs of their transformative period.
The movie is a mastermind of Brian Kabogozza, a Journalism and Communication student at UCU, whose passion for filmmaking knows no bounds.
With a string of remarkable short films already under his belt, Brian has proven himself as a rising star in the world of cinema. His dedication to the craft has earned him not only local recognition but also international nominations for the best student films.
Collaborating closely with colleagues like Richard Ssekitoleko, who handled cinematography and took on an executive producer role, Brian created an atmosphere where their talents shone through on screen.
The script for “My First Year” was crafted by Emmanuel Illungole and Chloe Nsima, a law student at UCU. Together, they breathed life into the stories of the four protagonists, weaving a narrative that is both heartfelt and relatable.
This film is more than a standalone project; it serves as a sequel to “My Background,” delving into the life of one of its characters, Joan, from her early years to her university journey.
In the end, “My First Year” isn’t just a movie , it is a celebration of talent, creativity, and the indomitable spirit of UCU students.
As the credits rolled, it was clear that this cinematic journey had captured the hearts and minds of all in attendance, leaving an indelible mark on the UCU community.
With “My First Year,” UCU students proved that the power of storytelling transcends the boundaries of the classroom, taking center stage on the silver screen, and leaving the audience yearning for more.
THE WRITER MARVIN TWIINAWE IS A MULTIMEDIA JOURNALIST AND A STUDENT OF JOURNALISM ,MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION AT UGANDA CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY,MUKONO. EMAIL:marvintwiinawe@gmail.com
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