We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Kate Nafuna a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Kate thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you wish you had started sooner?
I wish I had started my creative career sooner.
I started making films in 2021 at the age of 30 during the COVID 19 lock down.
I was an Administrator at Kampala Film School, and i was making paper bags to earn a living during the lock down. one of my colleagues at work, advised me to tell a story visually about how the lock down has affected me. I gave it a try with a short documentary, and boom, four years later, i have have five films to my name, thanks to the lock-down!
Starting sooner, like early 20s, would have exposed me to many opportunities in terms of funding, given the fact some funding opportunities come with an age limit.
Starting early would give me the time to make mistakes, learn from them, grow professionally without any worry of responsibilities, as opposed to early to mid thirties when kids come into the picture.
Looking back, i wish i had started earlier but like the saying goes, Better late than Never.
Its always never to late to start anything, and i am proud of how far i have come in only four years.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I started out making films in 2021 under my production company, Fortunate Films. It was during the lock down that i started making films. However, given my full time job at that time was an administrator at Kampala Film school.
Under fortunate films, we mainly produce films, both fiction and documentary, music videos, screen writing services and product advertisement for TV. For now, i have focused on film production only, with a desire to expand into the mentioned areas. Through film production, i educate and entertain my clients through the short films i have produced so far. what sets me apart from others is the fact i make films of impact; that is films that advocate for positive change in a community.
I am proud of the fact that one of my short films, My Blood was nominated and screened in various festivals around the world, such as Uganda Film Festival, Africa Human Rights Film festival, in Nigeria, urusaro International Womens film festival in rwanda and the Mid south Black film festival in USA where it went ahead to win the audience choice award and Best short film. I want my potential clients to know that i am open to collaborations on any projects, help them with advertising their busineeses through film, and partner with willing fans out there. Our work is available for viewing on our youtube channel, Fortunate Films.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, there is definitely, a goal driving my creative journey. I have always been passionate about writing.
When i was young i always dreamt of having my written work showcased to the viewers in the national new papers, children’s section. However, living upcountry affected my ability and exposure to achieve that goal.
So, when i grew up, i learnt how tow rite plays, so, i dreamt of having my plays shown cased in theaters in the country.
when i jpoined the film school, i learnt that the stories can be produced into films!
This gave me the zeal to write and produce my work. into films. My goal is produce a film that will be watched m millions of viewers around the world. A story that educates, entertains and impacts the communities around the world.
This is what drives my creative journey.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the joy in pursuing your passion. I have produced films for four years now but i haven’t made a single coin from any of my films, but the fact i am able to write a story and produce it into a film is what fulfills. Just like any business, breaking even takes quite a long time, but with hard work, patience and perseverance, i will make it at the end. there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nafuna_kate/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nafuna.kate
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-nafuna
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kate_nafuna
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOwtqO5Xw40vr9akGQwQcLQ
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/katie.de.winx
Image Credits
Robert Jumba