e of the Souls. Q From what I read, Kinna Uganda seems to be very much a home-grown, grassroots phenomenon, springing from an established tradition of theatre and stage-acting. Given that film and theatre rely on very different techniques of acting and production, how much do you think the theatrical tradition helps or hinders the development of film making as an industry in Uganda?
A I believe “Kinna Uganda” to some extent does help prepare so many individuals in their respective professions for film and similarly destroys the many would be professionals in the film industry. Why? From my own interpretation, after watching several “kin-Nigeria” movies while I was in film school, I came to the conclusion that any film industry with the “KINNA-something” tag meant that the industry in question was abusing the art of filmmaking. Filmmaking is an art that encompasses all other arts known to man. These may include: Poetry, music, acting, fine-art, writing etc…but our friends in Nigeria don’t respect film as an art. Take a good example of films from Senegal by Ousman Sembene. His films were great and the film industry in Senegal is highly appreciated by film professionals around the world, the reason why they hold a film festival that embraces all beautiful movies made around the world from Africa and the Diaspora.
Ugandans know that these films (kinna-something) are of low quality but they insist on watching them because the films are really entertaining. So, if a low budget movie (kinna Uganda) can get them entertained why then spend so much money on the same movie?
Professions affected here include: Sound recordings, Camera persons (D.O.P)s, Set designers and Production designers, Score composers and Sound designers, etc…
The actors too tend to become rigid and will take too long to understand the differences between the two Arts (Theater and Film). It can take a while during rehearsals before they understand what is required of them.
On the other hand, theater has helped some talents improve in the fields of writing, set designs, costumes and special effects. Individuals will borrow these ideas and present them to their film which for a start isn’t bad at all.
Simply put, “Kinna-Uganda” would mean poor quality films made for entertaining the locals.
Q As an overseas viewer I was immediately struck by the importance of symbolism in 'Battle of the Souls' .
The theme of 'going under water' in particular made me think of traditional associations in Welsh and European historical culture of lakes, wells and rivers being associated with spirits and gateways to 'the otherworld' . Of course immersion in water is also a Christian tradition. I am curious as to why you made such a strong association between water and 'the Devil' in your film, is that association a prominent one in Ugandan culture or is it a less well known theme which you chose to develop into a major one specifically for the film?
A There has been a belief that Ugandans that made a lot of money either killed somebody to get his/her riches or visited the voodoo masters who introduced them to the spirits world that required them to sacrifice some beloved people and sleep with demons. This whole process was termed as “going under” and the only medium that can take you under is water. Water acts as a gateway to the underworld i.e. spiritual world. In “Battle Of The Souls”, I wanted the audience to understand that water was just a symbol for the cross-over to the other world where only spirits operated. The movie “Constantine” had a very similar approach to my theme. I wrote this film back in 2003 and Constantine was released late 2003-2004. It was like they had peeped into my script but gave theirs a Hollywood touch very far away from my style! Haha.
Wycliffe in the movie interacted with the three boys as a human being with evil powers and during the exorcism of Ryan it was clear that, while all that was happening, his spirit had gone under to face the demons.
This is also very much fictional but I tried to show my own understanding of going under.
A I guess both aspects are important because Ugandans definitely love to be entertained and its only through entertainment that you can reach the masses of people. We are living in a time where child sacrifices are the main talk of everybody. More than 113 children have gone missing and quite a number have turned up dead. Most of these deaths have been connected to the very rich people who want to appease their gods. It is quite timely that they have the chance to watch this film and understand where its coming from and what message it carries.
Kinna-Uganda can help a great deal in educating people with their moral values and reaffirm their belief in God.
It also doesn’t have to be Kinna Uganda to do that. Great films meant for African audiences can help reach out to individuals and do the necessary.
Films about AIDS are always encouraged. Tribal conflict isn’t really that interesting unless if you are telling a story about the origin of kingdoms. When you concentrate on just entertaining, I feel as an African, that you haven’t used the chance of film to do what is African, that is teach, help spread the word, etc..
Q Finally, what's next for you as a film-maker? Do you have plans for another film, and if so can you give your fans an idea of what we have to look forward to ?
A I’m definitely putting together something. It’ll come and it will be a lot better than the first. That was rather experimental to me…just tasting the waters. That’s all I can say.
Huge thanks to Matt for responding so generously to my interview request, and equally huge thanks to IDTwins for making it possible.
Pics from top to bottom
Matt Bish
'Ryan' (film still)
Battle of the Souls
Battle of the Souls is available on DVD from Wasswa Hassan of Twinex Videos Ltd and Media Pro Ltd, Kampala, Uganda. Do buy it, I did !
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THE SOUND WAS SO GOOD ITS A PROFESSIONAL FILM.
ReplyDeleteyes matt u did