Private Project

Upanga Kingdom

In the heart of Upanga Kingdom, a realm plagued by corruption and fear, Claiborne, a determined French-British plant researcher, embarks on a treacherous expedition. His mission: to unearth a legendary tree that holds the cure his late professor believed could save his ailing wife.

But as he steps into this kingdom of darkness, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous game of power orchestrated by the ruthless Mr. Interpreter, a leader who manipulates his authority for personal gain. Claiborne's pursuit of hope becomes a fight for survival as he faces extortion and even the threat of his own life.

Amidst the chaos, Claiborne crosses paths with Julieth, a resilient woman who holds the key to his mission's success. Overcoming language barriers with bribes and deceit, he forges an alliance with Julieth. However, their partnership takes a tragic turn, pushing them to the brink of despair.

As corruption reigns and traditional values clash with modern ambitions, Hilda, a fearless teenager, emerges as a beacon of change. Determined to shatter the chains of oppression, she defies societal norms to challenge the established order. But can she overcome the odds stacked against her as she strives to pave the way for a new era of justice?

'Upanga Kingdom' is a gripping tale of courage, sacrifice, and redemption, where the battle for a better future unfolds against a backdrop of betrayal and adversity. Will Claiborne, Julieth, and Hilda's paths converge to topple the tyrants and heal a wounded land? Get ready for an epic journey through a realm where the power of the human spirit knows no bounds.

  • Wetengere Samwel Paul Kitojo
    Director
  • Wetengere Samwel Paul Kitojo
    Writer
  • Mbwana Kidato
    Writer
  • Wetengere Samwel Paul Kitojo
    Producer
  • Thor Schenker
    Key Cast
    "Claiborne "
  • David Msiya
    Key Cast
    "Mr. Interpreter"
  • Project Type:
    Feature
  • Genres:
    Adventure
  • Runtime:
    1 hour 55 minutes 43 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 3, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    45,000 GBP
  • Country of Origin:
    Tanzania, United Republic of
  • Country of Filming:
    Tanzania, United Republic of
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital Fujifilm XT4
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.35:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Wetengere Samwel Paul Kitojo

Wetengere grew up in a small village called Suji, located in the North East of Tanzania. TV programs absorbed him and educational films on the very first day when he watched them. Wetengere went on and began his FDeg in TV and Radio Technology, then BSc in Media Production at Farnborough College of Technology. After his BSc Degree completion he went to pursue MA in Sound Design for Film at Bournemouth University. After learning how to make movies, he went on to make a series of short films.

Wetengere’s passion is to educate society by using film medium, tackling most critical political and social issues whilst entertaining audiences.

Wetengere’s ability to combine sounds with moving images crafts powerful lessons to all ages. Wetengere has completed two feature films; "Asking God" and "Upanga Kingdom". He is now moving onto write a screenplay for his next project. He currently lives in Basingstoke, Hampshire - a short distance from London.

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Director Statement

"Upanga Kingdom" is an ambitious film that digs into the intricacies of power, corruption, and the resilience of an individual researcher faced with a greedy leader in the form of Mr. Interpreter. The challenges encountered during the making of this film, particularly in securing funding and working with a small, inexperienced crew, mirror the very themes we explore on screen.

The choice to embark on this journey was born out of a deep commitment to storytelling that reflects the realities of our world. The narrative explores the clash between genuine research pursuits and the corrupting influence of power, personified by Mr. Interpreter. Our protagonist's journey mirrors the challenges faced during production an uphill battle against limitations, yet an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth.

Despite budgetary constraints and a small crew, these limitations became an opportunity to foster creativity and resourcefulness. Every scene, every shot, and every nuanced performance were crafted with precision, transforming constraints into elements that enrich the visual and emotional tapestry of "Upanga Kingdom."

The film's visual language draws inspiration from the juxtaposition of grand landscapes and intimate character moments, capturing the essence of both the vastness of the research field and the intricacies of human interaction. The juxtaposition of the researcher's genuine pursuit of knowledge against Mr. Interpreter's corruption is mirrored in the visual storytelling a dance of light and shadow that echoes the moral complexities at the heart of the narrative.

In navigating the challenges of this production, we found a shared commitment among the cast and crew to overcome obstacles, echoing the resilience of the film's protagonist. "Upanga Kingdom" became a collaborative endeavour, a testament to the dedication of each person involved, despite their level of experience.

In the end, "Upanga Kingdom" is not just a film; it's a journey of discovery and a testament to the power of storytelling in overcoming challenges. It is my hope that audiences will not only be captivated by the narrative but also inspired by the collective effort that went into bringing this story to life.