Experiencing Interruptions?

Take My Hand

Awebwa, a young girl, endures a miserable life as her abusive father, Mugere, denies her from going to school due to a tragic mistake made by her elder sister, Tendo, that leads to a series of life-changing events in the family. Under the weight of this unjust decision, Awebwa finds comfort in her friendship with Denis, who secretly homeschools her. Together, they face the tension of defying Mugere's oppressive rule and the hope that education can be the key to Awebwa’s freedom.

  • David Mukama
    Director
    Dear Mom, Love OR Life, I Missed my Ps
  • David Mukama
    Writer
    Dear Mom, The Drought Girl, I Missed My Ps
  • Nansubuga Rhoda Ssegane
    Producer
    Sabotage
  • Joy Shanice Mwajuma
    Key Cast
    "Awebwa"
    JDC, The Lake
  • Katongole Ibrahim Nixon
    Key Cast
    "Mugere"
  • Kalyango Travor Angelo
    Key Cast
    "Denis"
  • Nakaweesi Zainab
    Key Cast
    "Petu"
  • Kembabazi Candy
    Key Cast
    "Clare"
    Sabotage
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    14 minutes 29 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 10, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Uganda
  • Country of Filming:
    Uganda
  • Language:
    English, Ganda
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Ikon Young Filmmakers Fellowship
  • Official Premiere
    Reach a Hand Uganda Headquarters, Lungujja, Kampala
    Uganda
    March 26, 2025
    Ikon Fellowship 2024/25 Cohort Movies Premiere
    Ikon Fellow Film of the Year
Director Biography - David Mukama

David Mukama is a Ugandan Writer, Director, Productions Assistant, and Lusoga specialist. He is a boy-child advocate born in Kaliro District and holds certificates from CineArts Academy and Stage32. He is an alumnus of the Tebere Arts Foundation and the writer of the short stage play SOIL & WATER, which had a reading at the National Theatre during World Theatre Day. His debut short film, Dear Mom, was screened in Nigeria and has received multiple nominations in Uganda and Africa. He is the recipient of the Ikon Fellow Film of the Year at the Ikon Awards 2025. David utilizes his skills to address critical social issues, including gender equality, mental health, sexual and reproductive rights, and boy-child awareness.

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Director Statement

"Take My Hand" is a dear story that I, as the writer and director, needed to tell because of the demand to continue educating our people about the need to support girls in going and staying in school. Unlike other stories, I wanted to create an environment where everybody is concerned about the girls who face unjust decisions made by their parents. This prompted me to show the power of boys if they are allowed to join the struggle. In my personal view, if boys are allowed to spearhead this campaign, we can overcome many uncertainties, like teenage pregnancy, which may lead to dropping out of school. This campaign can not only affect the girls but also help the boys understand the consequences of their decisions as well. This will help bring about a new generation of strong males who are ready to challenge toxic masculinity. In this story, everyone's involvement in the Girl-Child Education Campaign matters, and I'm so glad to have brought this story to life.