Uganda`s film industry has grown in leap and bounds in the last couple of years. Film makers in the country have taken major risks and they have paid off with rest of the world starting to take place. Kasule Douglas “Benda” has served to earn attention to the Ugandan Film industry from the global film making community.
In other words one cannot talk about film making in Uganda and not mention “Benda”. He is the gentleman behind Uganda`s number one Actors Booking agency known as Benda bookings which help Film makers to book Actors, casting, talent management, Acting coaching, Representation & negotiations between Actors and Film makers, among so many.
Benda has worked on various notable projects such as a short film he Directed, Acted in and Story created known as Ïn Reality” which was his maiden project in 2013. That project was very successful as it managed to received international nominations in countries like China, United Kingdom, Nigeria and Senegal an locally scooping 6 awards.
In 2014, he Directed and Acted in another short film “The foolproof Plan”which went ahead to win an award as the best short film in the Galway International Festival held in Northern Ireland.
On his Filmography he then added Mirror(2013), Five Seconds(2016) among so many others inclusive of the locally NTV`s Katemba mu Kooti and Trick Stars.
Being someone who is highly talented and versatile, he also worked on Radio drama series like Rock Point 256(2011-2013), Oli Steady(2012) and also Makomere(2011-2012).
When we met him for a one on one interview, we asked of what inspires him and he said, “Having come from a very low laid background, it was Art that he used to express himself freely” “The function of art is self expression. It can take many forms i.e singing, acting, musical instruments, design, and writing, so it is through all those elements that I was inspired to be an Art person hence making it to be part of his whole life”. He added.
He also said how Theater, Dance and other performing arts allow people like him to teach society to express themselves and be a means through which people with disabilities can communicate as well as teach us about ourselves and in that, point out our bias and mindsets of our society which can as well be used as a tool to educate people about their current conditions.
Benda says that it is through his Art Circles that he is able to help out the needy and has been involved in so many charitable projects to seek for them help. I`m one person who is so empathetic and who always wants to help anyone in needy like the voiceless, orphans, all suffering minorities and the oppressed, and I manage to do all that by using the talent that got gave me” he says with a sad face.
Asked on what he has so far achieved in Art, “I have got so many friends and connections, since my job is to keep one with a happy face, I have become so adored by most of the people who have been exposed to some of my works” “I have have as well got money and fame as well as acquisition of so much knowledge as I always do a lot of readings and research to keep up to date in order not to disappoint those who look up to me” he concludes.
Asked about his social life, he said that he is a person who always wants to keep a very simple and humble profile, he doesnot drink nor smoke despite of some few people thinking he does so because of the “Rastafarian hair he grew”.
Asked about where he sees Uganda`s film Industry for now, he was proud to say that he is seeing a very positive change and impact in the industry as everyday Film makers create quite awesome stuff which has gone ahead to compete in various continental and global awards but stressed out what he termed as an itching issue of so many Ugandan Producers exploiting their Actors thus he is working on establishing a general Uganda`s all Actors guild to advocate for Actors rights.
Benda studied at Makerere University(Bachelor of Arts in Drama and Film).
His last words for his fans,stakeholders,friends and family are:
“Filmmakers and actors need support of all kinds. From our loved ones, friends and family, government etc. We necessary dont need only money but most importantly MORAL SUPPORT. We may not be getting a lot financially from film and acting presently but the support will keep us going until we reach the greater heights to be celebrated, recognized and wealth.”
Benda’s contacts are: 0702792926
His email: bendabookings@gmail.com
