Gulu, Uganda – The Northern Region came alive with cinematic celebration as the Regional Film Competition (RFC) 2026, a precursor to the Uganda Film Festival, announced its winners in a ceremony held over the weekend. The event saw Komakech Daniel’s gripping drama, No Safe Place to Call Home (Te Okono), emerge as the night’s biggest triumph, securing top honors including Best Film.
The film, which explores themes of displacement and resilience, also earned accolades for its cast and crew. Opio Hallandno was awarded Best Actor, Oyella Zillah Hope took home Best Actress, and Denis Latigo was recognized for Best Original Soundtrack, cementing the project’s status as a standout production in the region.
In the other competitive categories, Beatrice Manash Atoo won Best Young Actor/Actress for her role in Kwak, while Genrwot Daniel’s Bridge to Utopia was awarded Best Smartphone Film, showcasing the innovative spirit of the region’s storytellers.
The Chief Guest, Rt. Maj. Betty Akello Otekat, delivered a powerful keynote address, emphasizing the transformative power of the arts. She noted that film is a vital tool for telling Uganda’s stories, preserving cultural heritage, and shaping national identity. The Rt. Maj. commended the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) for decentralizing opportunities through the Regional Film Competition, stating that talent is abundant across the country and not confined to the capital, Kampala.
“The film industry is a key driver of economic growth,” Rt. Maj. Akello Otekat remarked, highlighting its potential to create jobs, promote tourism, and build sustainable livelihoods. She urged filmmakers to embrace responsibility in their storytelling, calling for authentic and impactful content that reflects societal values. She concluded by encouraging all participants—winners and non-winners alike—to view this moment as a milestone in their journey, not a final destination, and to continue learning, creating, and pushing boundaries.
Lead Juror Matt Bish provided a critical analysis of the submissions, praising the Northern Region for its strong performance and compelling narratives. However, he offered constructive feedback, noting that several films appeared rushed. He pointed to story development as the primary area requiring improvement, stressing that taking time to properly develop a script provides clear direction during production and strengthens the final product.
Bish also addressed logistical challenges, reminding filmmakers to pay close attention to submission guidelines after noticing that some projects were submitted to the wrong regions. Despite these gaps, he expressed optimism about the region’s potential, noting that the stories stood out and captured the jury’s interest. “Competition across regions is growing stronger,” he said, encouraging filmmakers to continue pushing their creative limits.
The event also highlighted the importance of training and capacity building. RFC Northern Region Lead Trainer, Mr. Robert Nkambo of Media Vision Academy, revealed that the training equipped participants with practical skills ranging from scriptwriting and cinematography to sound recording and editing. He called on stakeholders to continue investing in emerging filmmakers, emphasizing that collaboration is essential for building a sustainable industry.
Mr. Nkambo praised the cohort as one of the most outstanding groups he has trained over the years, urging them to remain persistent despite challenges. He also applauded the increasing participation of women in the film industry, describing it as a positive and necessary step forward for the sector.
The RFC 2026 Northern Region awards serve as a key milestone in the countdown to the main Uganda Film Festival, showcasing the depth of talent waiting to be discovered beyond the city limits.
