Experiencing Interruptions?

MY FIRST YEAR

"My First Year" delves into the lives of four distinct students—Joan, Raymond, Josh, and Chloe—who come from varied backgrounds. As they embark on their journey into university life, they are confronted with an array of challenges and possibilities. Through their individual experiences, viewers witness the highs and lows, the triumphs and tribulations of their first year in a university setting.From navigating academic pressures to forging new friendships, each student's story unfolds against the challenges of the new campus environment. "My First Year" offers a true portrayal of the transformative journey these students undertake, capturing the essence of resilience, growth, and self-discovery amidst the hurricane of university life.

THE LIGHTHOUSE INITIATIVE INC will publish this film on Amazon Prime Video.

  • Brian Kabogozza
    Director
    My Degree,My Background,Lunch Time
  • Emmanuel Ilungole
    Writer
    My Background
  • Brian Kabogozza
    Producer
    My Background,Lunch Time
  • Emmanuel Ilungole
    Producer
  • Gabriella Akere
    Key Cast
    "Joan"
    My Background
  • Project Type:
    Feature, Student, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    Drama
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 1 minute 6 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 29, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    Uganda
  • Country of Filming:
    Uganda
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 35 mm
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Uganda Christian University
  • Uganda Christian University
    Mukono
    Uganda
    September 29, 2023
    Uganda Christian University Premiere
  • Arkwood Africa Film Market and Awards
    Addis Ababa
    Ethiopia
    September 30, 2025
    Screening
    Official Selection
  • Uganda Film Festival
    Kampala
    Uganda
    April 20, 2024
    Screening
    Official Selection
  • First Time Filmmakers Volume 2
    Washington DC
    United States
    April 11, 2024
    Screening
    Official selection
Director Biography - Brian Kabogozza

I am a multiple award winning filmmaker from Uganda. I have done a couple of short films My Degree, My Background, Lunch Time, Dinner for Three and more. I am globally recognized for my work through the accolades that I have to my name . I won at Uganda Film Festival as Best student film 2025, Best Student Film at Kaduna International Film Festival in Nigeria 2025, Best Student Film at Pearl International Film Festival in Uganda 2025, Best International Director at Malawi International Film festival 2024, a nominee at Regal Film Festival and Awards (REFFA) in Ghana, 2025 , a nominee at Mombasa International Film Festival for Best International Short Film 2024, Nominee at Ikon Film and Television Awards 2025, and many other global official selections and screenings all for my short film Dinner For Three, in 2023, at Student World Impact Film Festival (SWIFF) in the United States, my film My Background won a semi finalist award. I also produces an indie student feature film My First Year in 2023 which screened in Uganda's cinemas. I was apart of the multi choice Talent Factory East Africa Academy class of 2024 where I also produced two feature films (Deadbeat and Immersive Alarm), for Show Max , a short film for Zee World and I produced 3 music videos and a commercial .I have been hired to work on a youth empowering substance abuse film. I am also an editor working under a private company that distributes content to broadcasters.

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Director Statement

I am determined to tell authentic, cinematic African stories.