Private Project

Ssekukkulu

Mirembe, a single mother and breadwinner with her siblings; Matovu, a village dreamer who has taken to drinking and Mukisa, a Head Teacher in Kampala, are celebrating Christmas with their mother and children in their ancestral home. The joy of their family reunion is threatened by their past and present clashes sparked off by Matovu who resents his siblings for not giving in to his demands. Mukisa's wife Malia hates spending Christmas in the village while his son Patrick is heartbroken after learning about his village girlfriend Alina’s impending marriage to an older and richer man. As the family navigate their differences, they must also confront their painful past. Despite their struggles, they eventually come together to celebrate Christmas, realizing that their love for each other is stronger than their conflicts.

  • Sharon Ishimwe
    Director
  • Gerald Namanya
    Director
  • Josephine Kabahuma
    Writer
    Nkwanzi's Slip, Kemi, Catch Out
  • Samuel Saviour Kizito
    Writer
    Kemi, Crystal, The Forbidden
  • Sharon Ishimwe
    Producer
  • Samuel Saviour Kizito
    Director Of Photography
  • Samuel Mawa
    Lighting Designer
  • Kaz Kasozi
    Music
  • Samuel Saviour Kizito
    Editor
  • Josephine Kabahuma
    Production Designer
  • Josephine Kabahuma
    Costume Designer
  • Samuel Wabwire
    Sound Design
  • Mercy Mbabazi
    Makeup Artist
  • Sarah Kisauzi
    Key Cast
    "Mama"
  • Felix Bwanika Baale
    Key Cast
    "Matovu / Mawaya"
    In The Neighborhood
  • Hasifah Nakitende
    Key Cast
    "Mirembe"
  • Mark Agume
    Key Cast
    "Mwebe"
  • Patience Akiiki Kihunde
    Key Cast
    "Alina"
  • Marvin Innocent Ngobi
    Key Cast
    "Patrick"
  • Edson Keith Abitegeka
    Key Cast
    "Mukisa"
  • Cleopatra Koheirwe
    Key Cast
    "Malia"
  • Douglas Byaruhanga
    Key Cast
    "Joff"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Drama, Family, Comedy
  • Runtime:
    2 hours
  • Completion Date:
    December 1, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    30,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Uganda
  • Country of Filming:
    Uganda
  • Language:
    English, Ganda
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Sharon Ishimwe, Gerald Namanya

Born and raised in Kampala, Sharon Ishimwe is a storyteller and the Founder of Engero Productions. After years of storytelling through writing, public speaking, and working on documentary sets such as Nee Nee Productions’ multi award winning film Sauti, Ssekukkulu: A Ugandan Christmas is Sharon’s movie debut.

In Atlantic Canada where she is currently based, Sharon is also the Executive Director of a non-profit organization, MacPhee Centre for Creative Learning, and the co-founder of an early-stage startup, Lunch Buddies.

A proponent of radical trust, Sharon is passionate about connecting people and building meaningful relationships. She enjoys questions more than answers and her superpower is spotting silver linings. Sharon holds a master’s degree in Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada where she graduated Valedictorian and received the Senate Medal of Distinction. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism and communications from Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

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Director Statement

Bringing Ssekukkulu: A Ugandan Christmas to life has been a labour of love, inspired by a collective nostalgia for the good old Ugandan Christmas. With meticulous planning, unwavering dedication, and strong belief in the power and timeliness of this story, our team of talented crew and cast have crafted a timeless cinematic experience that captures the Ugandan spirit of the season while also delivering a heartfelt message of unity, hope and love that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.

We have poured our hearts and souls into creating a film that we believe will resonate deeply with audiences, leaving them with cherished memories of the holiday season. Ssekukkulu: A Ugandan Christmas will not only entertain but also touch the hearts of audiences bringing the spirit of Christmas back to life in the most heartwarming and extraordinary way.

It is my sincere hope that this film will serve as a source of inspiration for families and friends as they gather to celebrate the joyous holiday season.

Creating the first-ever Ugandan Christmas film in just five months has been a thrilling journey. With every scene, our goal was to weave a tapestry of Ugandan holiday magic to transport audiences into a world they once knew, brimming with festive cheer, and the joy of togetherness. From the earliest stages of conception to the final touches in post-production, we gave our all to every frame, infusing everyone with the warmth of cherished traditions.

May Ssekukkulu: A Ugandan Christmas bring a touch of joy and wonder to your holiday celebrations as it has brought us in bringing it to life.