Leadership of the Awards
The managing director of the Pearlwood Film Awards leads the strategic development and execution of the Awards program, overseeing partnerships, industry engagement, and the growth of the Awards as a regional cultural platform.
Under her leadership, the Awards continue to evolve into a flagship institution for African storytelling, empowering young creatives while strengthening the creative economy across the region.
THE PEARLWOOD FILM AWARDS 2026
Theme: “The Rising Pearl: Igniting the Next Generation of African Storytellers.”
The 2026 edition places a special focus on discovering young storytellers and celebrating the power of African narratives through film. Hosted in Kampala, Uganda, the awards will bring together filmmakers and audiences from across East Africa and the broader African continent, reinforcing Uganda’s growing role as a hub for the creative industry.
The program will feature a dynamic mix of activities designed to celebrate and strengthen the film ecosystem:
- Film screenings showcasing emerging and established talent
- Industry symposiums and conversations with film professionals
- Audience voting and digital engagement
- Networking opportunities connecting creators with industry partners
- The prestigious Pearlwood Film Awards Ceremony
Together, these experiences create an environment where films gain visibility, creators gain recognition, and audiences engage with African stories.
THE RISING PEARL TALENT PIPELINE
At the heart of the Awards is the Rising Pearl Initiative, a talent discovery platform designed to nurture young filmmakers, particularly students from secondary schools and youth creative communities.
This initiative empowers emerging storytellers to:
- Develop and distribute short films and feature films
- Present their work to national and regional audiences
- Learn from experienced filmmakers and industry mentors
- Connect with distributors and digital streaming platforms
By integrating talent discovery, mentorship, and industry exposure, the Pearlwood Film Awards go beyond recognition to actively build the future of African cinema.
