On Friday 6th June 2025, Wezesha Girls Network proudly took part in the Uganda Film Festival, a big event that brings together filmmakers, actors, and storytellers from across the country. For us it was not just about movies, it was about giving girls and women a voice through film and storytelling. Films are not just for entertainment. They can teach, inspire, heal, and spark change.
When girls see someone like them in a movie, someone going to school, standing up for their rights, or breaking free from child marriage, they start to believe in their own power. When women tell their stories on screen, hidden truths come to light and others begin to understand the challenges they face.
At Wezesha Girls Network Uganda, we believe that every girl has a story worth telling and film is one of the strongest tools we can use to tell those stories loudly and clearly. Too often, films are made by men and focus only on their point of view. We want to see more girls as filmmakers, directors, writers, and actresses. When girls learn how to use a camera or write a script, they gain confidence and skills that go far beyond the screen. They become leaders, speakers, and changemakers.
During the Uganda Film Festival, we witnessed actors, writers and makeup artists being awarded, we watched films that focused on real-life issues girls go through such as violence, early marriage, lack of education, and being silenced at home or in school. These are the stories that need to be told, and told well.
We work with different organizations to end all forms of violence, keep girls in school, and create safe spaces for them to grow. Film is one of the ways we can educate communities, challenge harmful beliefs, and encourage everyone to support girls’ rights. At the Festival, we met many young filmmakers who are using their talents to raise awareness and drive change. This gives us hope. With the right support, Ugandan girls can be among the best storytellers in Africa and the world.
We call upon everyone governments, schools, families, and friends to support girls who want to tell stories. Give them cameras. Train them. Listen to them. Believe in their dreams. Let’s build a future where every girl can say, “My story matters.” Because when girls tell their stories, they change the world.
Wezesha Girls Network Uganda is committed to raising powerful voices and creating opportunities for girls to lead in every space including film. We thank the Uganda Communications Commission for organizing the Uganda Film Festival, and we look forward to a future full of bold, brave, and brilliant stories by girls and for girls.
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