Kampala, Uganda, 3rd September 2024 — The Ministry of Gender, Labour & Social Development (MGLSD) is excited to announce the launch of the “Revitalizing the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement (REFILE) in Eastern Africa” project, recently approved by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions. The approval was granted during the Committee’s seventeenth session from 27 February to 1 March 2024.

The REFILE project aims to strengthen the film industry across Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia, fostering sustainable growth and development. With a focus on utilizing digital technology, the project will create new opportunities, particularly for women and young people in the region, enhancing livelihoods and promoting cultural diversity.

Project Funding and Objectives
Funded by the International Fund for Cultural Diversity (IFCD) with a grant of USD 99,960, the REFILE project seeks to:

• Strengthen and promote the film sector in Eastern Africa by mapping and networking professional organizations for film and content creators.
• Expand the market for Eastern African audiovisual content through collective e-distribution beyond borders.
• Build capacity among women and young IT professionals in digital communication and Over-the-Top (OTT) platform management within the film sector.

Key Activities and Outputs
Set to run for one year starting today, 3rd September 2024, the project will implement several key activities:

• Establishment of a seamless streaming Video-on-Demand platform, “Stream East,” to enhance regional content visibility.
• Formation of an Eastern Africa multi-national film practitioners’ rapport to foster collaboration and growth within the industry.

The expected outcomes include greater visibility of Eastern African content, increased employment opportunities, especially for women and youth, and promotion of positive cultural values and gender-responsive development.

Collaborative Effort and Appreciation
This project is a collaborative effort with key partners across Eastern Africa, including the National Information and Technology Authority of Uganda (NITA-U), the Rwanda Development Board, the Tanzania Filmmakers Association, Ethio Arkwood Entertainment, BIZ IT Solutions, Eleven Tech Abots from India, and Pearlwood.

Building on the success of past initiatives, including the 2019/21 EU/UNESCO Film project in Uganda, the REFILE project marks a significant step toward a more inclusive, resilient, and digitally advanced film industry in Eastern Africa.

Invitation to Stakeholders
We invite all stakeholders, including filmmakers, cultural practitioners, and the general public, to engage with and support this transformative project. Together, we can ensure the growth of a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive film industry in Eastern Africa.

The Ministry expresses its deep gratitude to UNESCO for its continued support and remains committed to the successful implementation of this project.

Click the link below to read the Press Statement.

Press Statement

Gallery  on the Launch of the REFILE Project