User:Aikolugbara/sandbox
Across Mt. Wati is a 2024 Ugandan drama film by Anthen Asiimwe and directed by Ronald Avas.[1] This Westnilewood film is a story of struggle, tradition and redemption. It features Mount Wati, a sacred site in Lugbara mythology found at the border between Maracha and Terego in West Nile Sub-region; it's where Dribidu (a Lugbara ancestor aka Banyale) settled, married and was buried.
| Across Mt. Wati | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Directed by | Ronald Avas |
| Produced by | Anthen Asiimwe |
| Starring |
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Release dates | 2 November 2024 (Tropical Suites Hotel, Arua) |
| Country | Uganda |
| Languages | English, Lugbara |
Plot
[edit]Local politician Patrick Edema impregnates Maturu (a mentally ill woman), but neglects his responsibilities. He is tormented by visions of the mad woman who accuses him of abandoning their child. This accusation is exploited by his opponent named Rahuman who challenges Edema to recite Luke 12:2 if he is truly a Christian. Pressured by the community, he seeks cultural cleansing. To redeem himself, Edema embarks on a perilous journey beyond Mt. Wati hoping to find closure and peace with his ancestors.[2]
Cast
[edit]Yusuf Opingopi Andabati (aka Andy Opingopi, a media personality in Arua) plays the main role in the film as Patrick Edema. Across Mt. Wati also features Asunta Sakaru, Hope Letasi, Hakim Aliku (aka Kim Nazz Atinga, a radio presenter at Arua One FM), Sandra Giramia, Gloria Faida, Hassan Anguyo De Big Brother, John Bosco Asibuku (aka Jeybee Pop Auden), Nusura Likoco alias Fancy Natz among others.
Production
[edit]This film brought together some of West Nile's Most Prominent production houses including Benchmark Innovations, Aanthen Productions, Visulux Creatives, Afotech Media, Praise Jah Films and House of Avas. Sound design was crafted by Mikdad Totia (aka Paps). Across Mt. Wati is the third film Anthen Asiimwe has produced after appearing in Big spender (2014) and producing Wanna Be Celeb (2018) and Face of Love (2023); the Executive Director penned it. Screenplay contributors were Emmanuel Osuzi Ayikobua (aka Jan Allan Osuzi who was also the Production Manager), Jimmy Andama and Jimmy Ojaku. Editing was done by Ronald Avas and Philliam Ajobe Samanya who was also the Director of Photography; Francis Adriko and Mansur Yassir Dafalla handled camera work. Outdoor filming was done in Terego plus Rhino Camp on the Albert Nile River.
Release
[edit]Across Mt. Wati premiered on Saturday 2 November 2024 at Tropical Suites Hotel in Arua City. It not only tells a gripping tale but also celebrates the rich culture of Lugbara people.[3]