Once Upon a Time in Uganda

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Once Upon a Time in Uganda

Released Jul 4, 2023

1h 34m

Documentary

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95%

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41 Reviews

80%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Set in Uganda, this documentary follows two men from opposite sides of the world who come together over a shared love for Chuck Norris. Isaac, a former brick maker, decides to pick up a camera and start shooting his own '80s inspired action epics, and Alan, a film nerd from New York gives up his life in America to join forces with Isaac after seeing a trailer for one of his films online. Against all odds, the two unlikely friends have catapulted Wakaliwood to worldwide stardom with their own gonzo action movies bringing joy to millions of people across the internet.

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Critics Consensus

Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a triumphant, infectiously joyous celebration of film and filmmaking that should inspire DIY artists everywhere.

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Jonathan Romney

Financial Times

This is a fascinating, potentially inspiring story messily told.

Rated: 2/5

Sep 11, 2023

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Ed Potton

The Times (UK)

Czubek treads a delicate line, managing to avoid patronising Nabwana or portraying Hofmanis as a white saviour, and the ending is worthy of Hollywood and Wakaliwood.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 8, 2023

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Marina Ashioti

Little White Lies

Comes together as an effusive love letter to the Wakaliwood king, despite not always keeping the focus on the more germane perspective.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 6, 2023

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Tom Shone

Sunday Times (UK)

For all the comedy and over-the-top narration this is clearly something of an exorcism of Nabwama’s childhood in the post-Idi Amin Eighties, when he grew up with the sound of gunfire from passing helicopters.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 12, 2023

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Andrew Murray

The Upcoming

At its core, Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a triumphant celebration of a shared love of cinema.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 4, 2023

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

Czubek’s film is a celebration of the joys of making movies (especially ones with lots of fight scenes).

Rated: 3/5

Aug 31, 2023

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dave d

A documentary on the beginnings of the Ugandan film is a fascinating story of a small triumph. There is a bit of white savior here, which stood out a touch too much, especially because the individual seemed so obtuse, but still the heart was is the right place. Not sure why we needed the conflict either. Overall, it's interesting and worthwhile! Final Score: 7/10

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/25

Full Review

Segedi

I had a blast watching this movie it has super packet action and humor, that will inspire anyone that has been thinking of making their own movie or anything in other creative fields. It shows you that if you have passion you can do anything no matter where you are in life.. thank your for making this movie I'm a big fan!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/01/24

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Thomas C

Loved this story. The amazing will and capacity to make and create.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/28/23

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Citizen Z

Nicely done with a real insider, heartwarming look at the creativity among and bias against.an amazingly inventive ghetto community that made classic action movies on a shoe string budget in Uganda.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/15/23

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Daniel V

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/09/23

Full Review

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Cathryne Czubek

Director

Isaac Nabwana

Self

Alan Hofmanis

Self

Harriet Nabwana

Self

V.J. Emmie

Self

Bisaso Dauda

Self

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Synopsis

Set in Uganda, this documentary follows two men from opposite sides of the world who come together over a shared love for Chuck Norris. Isaac, a former brick maker, decides to pick up a camera and start shooting his own '80s inspired action epics, and Alan, a film nerd from New York gives up his life in America to join forces with Isaac after seeing a trailer for one of his films online. Against all odds, the two unlikely friends have catapulted Wakaliwood to worldwide stardom with their own gonzo action movies bringing joy to millions of people across the internet.

Director: Cathryne Czubek
Producer: Gigi Dement, Cathryne Czubek, Hugo Perez, Matt Porwoll, Kyaligamba Ark Martin
Screenwriter: Cathryne Czubek, Amanda Hughes
Distributor: Yellow Veil Pictures
Production Co: Wonderview Studios
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 4, 2023, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 25, 2023
Runtime: 1h 34m

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