Kasule Douglas Benda
The Ugandan screen lights up once again as award-winning actress Pelly Penina brings raw intensity and unmatched emotion to the newly premiered short film, WHO ARE YOU, now streaming on YouTube.
In just under 15 minutes, the film grips viewers with a powerful, dialogue-heavy performance shared between Penina and co-star Alexon Audax. From explosive shouting matches and tense silence to gut-wrenching tears and breathless moments of stillness, the chemistry between the two is magnetic and painfully real. CASTING, CASTING, CASTING dear producers and directors, good casting saves the day.
Directed, written, and produced by Daug Mulumba, WHO ARE YOU is set almost entirely inside a house, but don’t be fooled by the simplicity. Every scene is charged with emotional electricity, supported by beautiful cinematography, intentional camera movement, well-thought-out lighting, and seamless editing. My only issue is with the ADR dialogue which sounds studio but it still serves purpose since it’s very clear. The story captures a hauntingly familiar reality: being stuck in a relationship with someone you know is wrong for you, yet for some reason, you stay.
There are moments of the film, particularly a mirror scene in the washroom, that stand out as a masterclass in performance. When Alexon’s spit flies and lands on Pelly’s face mid-argument, and she continues the scene with heart-wrenching authenticity and effortless tears, it’s hard not to feel a chill down your spine. It’s raw. It’s human. It’s unforgettable.
The film evokes comparisons to films like the Ugandan short called ‘Falling Out’ (featuring Michael Tamale and Camilla) and even the Hollywood ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ (Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie) for its intimate portrayal of a fighting couple.
And in case you needed another reason to watch: after a particularly intense shoot, Pelly Penina Nampanga reportedly asked the director for chicken at 1AM, a small but hilarious testament to just how emotionally draining and physically demanding the performance was.
Daug Mulumba, known for his work on the Beloved drama series and the short film NEDDA (featuring Cyrus Bugaba), proves here that he’s a rising force in Uganda’s film scene.
Watch ‘WHO ARE YOU’ on YouTube now and witness a performance you won’t forget.
Click the link below and thank us later.
https://youtu.be/RUD5k2YojiQ?si=j3nLgrFYJPfdBXs6
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