Kasule Douglas Benda
After building an impressive reputation across European festival circuits, the award-winning Ugandan documentary ‘The Woman Who Poked the Leopard’ is finally making its long-awaited debut on African soil. The film has been officially selected for the 28th Encounters South African International Documentary Festival, set to take place this June in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Directed by emerging Ugandan filmmaker Patience Nitumwesiga, the documentary marks her powerful debut feature and signals a significant milestone, not just for her career, but for Uganda’s growing documentary landscape. While screening dates are yet to be announced, anticipation is already building around what promises to be a deeply resonant African premiere.
At the heart of the film is Stella Nyanzi, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most fearless voices of resistance. Known for her unapologetic activism and bold critique of authority, Nyanzi’s story offers a compelling and often provocative exploration of freedom of expression, political defiance, and personal sacrifice. Bringing her story to audiences in Johannesburg and Cape Town adds an extra layer of significance, positioning the film within a broader continental conversation on activism and dissent.
The project is backed by a strong international and regional team. Producers include Menzi Mhlongo, Rosie Motene, Phil Wilmot, and Natalia Imaz. Cinematography is handled by Racheal Mambo alongside Phil Wilmot, while editing is led by Kristen Van Schie, supported by additional editors Teddy Ogborn and Joshua Alibet. Sound design by Afronautiq. The film’s music is composed by Sylvia Babirye.
#MakingUgFilmsFamous
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