Victors – a song to the lions

Situated between the lush green hillsides of western Uganda, bordering the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, a grassroots NGO has emerged to support orphans of the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which left 1.2 million children without parents. Starting from next to nothing, Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project has grown to provide education, clean water, medical services and stick clay homes for grandmothers that now care for more than 60,000 of these special children.

But in 2015, despite all the challenges these children must overcome, Nyaka learned that two young students were victims of rape and sexually assault, even contracting HIV. Immediately, a courageous trio of victors, led by Tabitha Mpamira, began to move day and night to protect these young girls. Their own challenges to overcome, these heroes find purpose and healing through this shared endeavor.

Still operating with only a single motorcycle and cell phone, EDJA's story is a transformational movement of sensitization, self-healing, and activism throughout a close local community and now the world – captured in the raw and stunning story, VICTORS – a reflection of the devastating reality for assaulted children in Nyakagyezi and the inspirational people that created a path out.

VICTORS, fast and filled with heart – explores how compassionate actions of a few can begin to put a stop to decades of depredation – it will bring you out of your seat – watching the rise of a community that has said 'enough is enough'.

We should all be saying enough.

From director Joe Foster

  • Joseph Foster
    Director
    Patagonica, Xa La
  • Joseph Foster
    Producer
  • Matt Stauble
    Producer
  • Tabitha Mpamira
    Key Cast
    "Tabitha"
  • Brendah Aryatugumya
    Key Cast
    "Brendah"
  • Mubangizi Bosco Kahiigi
    Key Cast
    "Bosco"
  • Twesigye Jackson Kaguri
    Key Cast
    "Jackson"
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    29 minutes 30 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    September 30, 2022
  • Production Budget:
    15,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Uganda
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    4K digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Joseph Foster

International documentarian (cinematographer, director, and writer), Foster operates Dapp Studios telling the stories of communities, brands, non-profits and artists from around the world.

Joe was a 2019 LinkedIn Compassion Award Winner for his work with over 20 non-profit film pieces. He believes storytelling is a craft that spans many mediums and has the capacity to link all places and life. From producing his own film centered on the Me Too movement in western rural Uganda, to working under Academy Award winning directors as cinematographer in documentary, Joe has a history of contributing a unique creative lens.

Influences from his engineering background are evident in Joe’s simple but creative approach to telling these stories genuinely. He is best known for his ability to connect with people and his endurance to 'will a vision' into reality – which is often how films come together.

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Director Statement

Faced with unique and harrowing obstacles in communities heavily impacted by HIV/AIDS and without prior infrastructure to support sexual assault victims, the core members of EDJA continue. EDJA's effort to open a community's eyes and hearts, in one of the most remote and powerful #metoo movements of our day inspired me to produce and direct VICTORS, a story to share with the world and my premiere documentary short. Gratitude goes to Tabitha, Brendah, Bosco, Jackson, the Nyaka children and all of Nyakagyezi for inspiring us to do our best despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles and to Matt Stauble for his work on this film and his care to help the children of Nyaka on their path in life.