The iKON Awards held a reunion for the iKON Fellowship Programme 2025 at Reach a Hand offices in Lungujja.

The event brought together alumni, mentors, filmmakers, and partners of the iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship Programme for a day of connection, reflection, and storytelling. It was designed to celebrate milestones, share journeys, and showcase the impact the fellowship has had on the professional and personal growth of young creatives across Uganda.

Since its inception, the programme has recruited three cohorts, mentoring 26 fellows and producing 21 short films. These films will soon be available for streaming exclusively on Kwiso TV via the AfroMobile app.

  • 2022–2023 cohort: 8 fellows, 7 short films
  • 2023–2024 cohort: 8 fellows, 7 short films
  • 2024–2025 cohort (ongoing): 10 fellows, 5 films so far

Together, these films explore diverse themes such as family, identity, mental health, resilience, and social justice.

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Notable titles include:

  • A Taste of Water, Ma’Rachi, Nourah, My Blood (2023)
  • Deep Waters, Silent Tears, Teen Me (2024)
  • Suubi, The Drought Girl, Not Alone (2025)

Nankya Mariam Shamsa, an iKON Fellow (2024/2025), reflected on the post-fellowship experience:

“Being part of the iKON Fellowship has been transformative, but it also comes with unique challenges. Sometimes, potential employers assume we are overqualified or ‘too big’ after the program. While this can be discouraging, it is also a reminder of the high standards the fellowship instills in us as young filmmakers.”

Usama Mukwaya, Filmmaker and Director of Operations at iKON Aspire Foundation, emphasized the programme’s role in shaping new talent:

“The iKON Young Filmmakers Fellowship is a vital stepping stone for emerging creatives. However, true success depends on one’s commitment to hard work, the courage to unlearn old habits, and the openness to embrace new industry approaches.”

Humphrey Nabimanya, Founder of the iKON Awards, highlighted the bigger vision:

“You are the filmmakers of tomorrow, and we are committed to empowering you to also be the best filmmakers of today. The industry’s future depends on your creativity, resilience, and drive… Our goal is to make the iKON Awards the African Oscars—bigger and better with every step we take.”

The reunion served as a platform to raise awareness about the fellowship’s impact, showcase achievements, and inspire continued support from audiences, partners, and industry leaders. The event also called on stakeholders to amplify the voices of Uganda’s rising filmmakers and experience their powerful short films now streaming on Kwiso TV via the AfroMobile app.

The iKON Awards is Uganda’s biggest annual celebration of creativity, excellence, and innovation in film and television. The awards honor exceptional talent, projects, and contributions that elevate Uganda’s creative industry locally and internationally.

For more information about the iKON Awards 2025 and upcoming activities such as iKONversations, visit theikon.org/awards.