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Once Upon a Time in Uganda backdrop

Once Upon a Time in Uganda

2023·Documentary·1h 34m
7.1
★
In the slums of Kampala, two men from opposite sides of the world come together over a shared love for America’s greatest hero: Rambo. Against all odds, the two make their own action movies with no money — and bring joy to millions of people on the internet. Welcome to “Wakaliwood.” Through comedy and kung-fu, "Once Upon a Time in Uganda" chronicles the unlikely friendship between Isaac Nabwana, a director hailed as “Africa’s Tarantino,” and Alan Hofmanis, a film programmer from New York. While Isaac tirelessly makes feature after feature, Alan brings his films to international audiences. But tensions flare as Isaac’s star rises — threatening their partnership and all of Wakaliwood.
Directed by Cathryne Czubek
YouTube
Trailer
IMDB
IMDB
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Where to Watch
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreAmazon Video

Cast

Nabwana IGG
Nabwana IGG
Self
Alan Hofmanis
Alan Hofmanis
Self
Bisaso Dauda
Bisaso Dauda
Self
V.J. Emmie
V.J. Emmie
Self
Asaba Jumah
Asaba Jumah
Alex

Crew

Cathryne Czubek
Cathryne Czubek
Director
Cathryne Czubek
Cathryne Czubek
Editor
Moses Bwayo
Moses Bwayo
Sound Mixer

Popular Reviews

4 reviews
Skipp
Skipp
7.0★ · 07/01/25
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
Nabwana IGG is quite possibly one of the greatest directors of our time. I’m glad there’s a legit documentary showing the inner workings of the most rag-tag film studio in the film world today, even if the drama feels a bit manufactured. The perspective of Alan Hofmanis is such a good one nonetheless, and I’m glad he found the passion he was looking for in film again.
Nabwana IGG is quite possibly one of the greatest directors of our time. I’m glad there’s a legit documentary showing the inner workings of the most rag-tag film studio in the film world today, even if the drama feels a bit manufactured. The perspective of Alan Hofmanis is such a good one nonetheless, and I’m glad he found the passion he was looking for in film again.
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T M
T M
10.0★ · 07/03/23
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
Probably one of my favorite documentaries thus far. I spent most of the movie smiling or laughing. I felt so inspired by Isaac’s ingenuity and ability to foster a community. 

To my surprise, the showing was a double feature. Initially we were going to feel out the second flick, but halfway through the doc I told Eddie we had to watch the second movie (Bad Black) and I’m so glad we stayed. There is magic happening in Wakaliwood.
Probably one of my favorite documentaries thus far. I spent most of the movie smiling or laughing. I felt so inspired by Isaac’s ingenuity and ability to foster a community. 

To my surprise, the showing was a double feature. Initially we were going to feel out the second flick, but halfway through the doc I told Eddie we had to watch the second movie (Bad Black) and I’m so glad we stayed. There is magic happening in Wakaliwood.
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David Brook
David Brook
8.0★ · 08/21/23
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
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Curtis
Curtis
6.0★ · 05/02/22
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
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