Article

Revitalizing the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement (REFILE) in Eastern Africa

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Nalubega Hajara addressing participants during the Open Digital Roadmap workshop in Lira

Overview

Funds Allocated: 99,960 USD

Period: 01/04/2024 to 30/04/2025

Beneficiary countries: Uganda

Applicant: Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development (MGLSD) (Party)

Presentation

The REFILE project, initiated by the Ugandan Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development, aims to revitalize and develop the Eastern African film sector for sustainable growth across Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. The project seeks to:

  1. Map and create networks: Establish a network of professional organizations for film content creators.
  2. Develop a streaming platform: Launch a video-on-demand platform to showcase Eastern African audiovisual content.
  3. Empower women and youth: Train women and young IT professionals in digital communications and over-the-top (OTT) platform management.

This initiative stems from the 2022 mapping report on the film industry in Uganda, published in the UNESCO report ‘.’

How does this project contribute to the implementation of the 2005 Convention?

  • Advance sustainable development: The project creates opportunities in the cultural and creative industries, aligning with national development plans.
  • Enhance international mobility: It promotes a balanced flow of cultural goods and services through South-North and South-South exchanges.
  • Strengthen regional cooperation: By fostering inter-state and regional dialogue, the project supports the socio-economic growth of the film sector and encourages the employment of women and youth in Eastern Africa.
  • Encourage innovative distribution: The dedicated streaming OTT platform facilitates global distribution of East African films.
  • Promote gender equality: Women’s representation is increased as creators and producers thanks to professional networks and training

Main activities

  • Mapping and networking: Unify professional organizations of film content creators into a cohesive network.
  • Establish a rapport for stakeholders: Create a multinational platform for film practitioners to collaborate and represent private stakeholders’ interests.
  • Launch of a streaming platform: Develop a video-on-demand platform for Eastern African audiovisual content.
  • Training: Upskill women and young IT professionals in digital communications and OTT platform management.