Experiencing Interruptions?

KAGOYA

A girl battling depression as a result of the effects of sickle cell disease must chase her dream of becoming a dancer amidst the side effects of the disease and resistance from her father.

  • ALIWUYA SADATI
    Director
    GUILT
  • JUMA KAYONDO
    Director
  • ALIWUYA SADATI
    Writer
    GUILT
  • ALIWUYA SADATI
    Producer
    GUILT
  • ELIANA KAITESI
    Producer
  • SWABRA YUSUF KAUMA
    Key Cast
    "KAGOYA "
  • EMMANUEL WALUGULA
    Key Cast
    "KAIGA "
  • ABDULLAH PARON VANNEX BAKYEKOSE
    Key Cast
    "KIRUNDA "
  • ESTHER KULIVA
    Key Cast
    "MAAMA"
  • STEVEN MUNUNIZI
    Key Cast
    "BABA "
  • MUBARAK AWU WAISWA
    Key Cast
    "MUGOYA "
  • SADATI ALIWUYA
    EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 47 minutes 52 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    December 2, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    12,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Uganda
  • Country of Filming:
    Uganda
  • Language:
    Soga
  • Shooting Format:
    DIGITAL
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Uganda Regional Film Competitions
    Jinja
    Uganda
    Best Film, Best Community Impact Film and Best Female Creative
Director Biography - ALIWUYA SADATI, JUMA KAYONDO

Aliwuya Sadati is a Medical Scientist and a Ugandan film maker, a director and a founding member of Motion Pictures and Film Makers Associations of Uganda. He was born and raised in Jinja, Uganda in December 29th 1993 and majors in producing, writing, directing with additional skills in acting. With trainings from Media vision Academy under the UNESCO program “Film making fundamentals for Culture” and also attended various workshops in the film and business sectors, organized by Uganda Communications Commission under the Uganda Film Festival, PIFF Africa, KPM school of Arts and Acting.
His first project as a writer/ director/ producer was GUILT (2021) movie and the latest being KAGOYA (2024). He has also performed different roles on several productions as an Actor, AD and writer such as Wronged woman Nabwire (2018), Makumbi (2019) and series such as Kadaga from KPM entertainment, Stubborn Boy John and director Silent voices Genesis (2020) by Taimafricaarts.org (2020) as an Assistant Director.

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Director Statement

"Creating a film about sickle cell disease has been a deeply personal journey for me. From the outset, I was driven by the desire to shed light on a condition that has been largely overlooked in mainstream media and to offer a platform for those whose lives are impacted by it.
I choose to direct this film “KAGOYA” as I derive inspiration from the experiences as observed in the hospital. As medical personnel, I have watched several sicklers struggle through the condition for their lifetime until some of them even pass on. The lead character “Kagoya” in this film has a similar experience but she chooses not to just sit and stare at the waiting list but learns to live with stigma as well as keep her mind off of the worst that could happen to her.
Sickle cell is a complex interplay of biology, culture, and socio-economic factors. I have aimed to explore the multifaceted nature of the disease, delving into its physiological manifestations while also examining its broader implications on individuals, families, and communities.

Central to our narrative are the stories of individuals living with sickle cell disease. Their experiences form the heart of the film, providing a human face to a condition often shrouded in misconceptions and stigma. We follow their triumphs and struggles, their joys and pains, as they navigate a world that often fails to fully understand their reality.

Beyond raising awareness, our film also aims to foster empathy and understanding. By offering audiences an intimate glimpse into the lives of those affected by sickle cell disease, we hope to challenge preconceived notions and inspire meaningful conversations about health, diversity, and inclusion.

In the process of making this film, I have been humbled by the resilience and strength of the sickle cell community. Their stories have left an indelible mark on me, and it is my sincere hope that our film honors their experiences with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Ultimately, our goal is not just to entertain, but to educate and advocate for greater awareness, support, and research into sickle cell disease. It is my belief that through the power of storytelling, we can effect positive change and create a more compassionate and inclusive world for all."