Ugandan Filmmaker Mathew Nabwiso Named Director of the Year at 2023 Zikomo Africa Awards
Renowned Ugandan director and actor, Mathew Nabwiso, expressed elation as he received the Director of the Year award at the 2023 Zikomo Awards in Lusaka, Zambia. Head of Nabwiso Films, Nabwiso beat out notable directors from across Africa, including South Africa’s Emmanuel Nathi Ndlovu and Neill Blomkamp, as well as Nigeria’s Kemi Adelba and Tony Umezi.
The Zikomo Awards, an annual event since 2018, aims to recognize outstanding artistic achievements on the African continent. Nabwiso’s win is a significant milestone in his career, given that his prolific work had been largely unrecognized within his native film industry.
Expressing gratitude, Nabwiso stated, “While I’m thankful for a nomination back home, winning an international award gives my work visibility on a broader scale.” The visionary director plans to continue collaborating with producers and broadcasters across Africa to share meaningful stories with wider audiences, setting his sights on accolades like the Africa Movie Viewers’ Choice Awards and the Oscars.
Nabwiso’s extensive portfolio includes films and TV series such as Sanyu and When You Become Me, which received a Cannes Film Festival nomination. The Zikomo Award for Director of the Year is expected to elevate his profile as a filmmaker and open up new opportunities.
Nabwiso, known for his roles in films like Imbabazi, Rain, and Kyaddala, is not only an actor but also a singer, director, and producer. His cinematic journey began in 2006 with the film Battle of the Souls, and in 2011, he gained popularity through the television series The Hostel on NTV Uganda. After the series, he founded the film production company ‘Nabwiso Films.’
His accolades include winning the Best Actor award at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) in 2013 for A Good Catholic Girl. In 2016, he received an AMVCA nomination for the role of ‘Dumba’ in the film Rain. In 2020, Nabwiso was honored with the Film Act Award at the Vine Awards for his significant contribution to Ugandan cinema.
By Azadi Ash | Acheampong Magazine, Uganda
