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Once Upon a Time in Uganda (2023)
6 / 10
Where to Watch Once Upon a Time in Uganda
Once Upon a Time in Uganda
2023
94mins
6 / 10
6 / 10
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.
Once Upon a Time in Uganda: Cast & Crews
Top Cast
Kenyatta Jones, Moses K. Lwanga, Kampala K. Kuteesa, Diana N. K. B. Kyalimpa, Moses M. K. Tushabe
What Our Critics Think
Independent reviews from the Compare TV editorial team.
4/5
Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a delightful exploration of friendship and creativity that shines a light on the vibrant world of low-budget filmmaking. The film follows Isaac Nabwana, an ambitious Ugandan director, as he collaborates with Alan Hofmanis, a film programmer from New York. Their shared p ... Show more >>
3.5/5
If you’re looking for a refreshing take on the world of filmmaking, Once Upon a Time in Uganda is a must-watch! This film is a quirky gem that showcases the pure joy of creating art with limited resources. The heartwarming friendship between Isaac and Alan is both entertaining and relatable, making ... Show more >>
How Viewers Describe This Film
Common themes and sentiments
Streaming Charts
The JustWatch Streaming Charts are calculated by user activity from the last 24 hours.
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Got a question about Once Upon a Time in Uganda?
Yes, Once Upon a Time in Uganda is worth watching for its unique blend of comedy and action, showcasing the unlikely friendship between an ambitious Ugandan filmmaker and a New York film programmer. The film’s charm lies in its heartfelt portrayal of creativity and passion, set against the vibrant backdrop of Wakaliwood.
Once Upon a Time in Uganda explores the journey of Isaac Nabwana, a director in Kampala, and Alan Hofmanis, a film programmer from New York. Their shared love for Rambo inspires them to create low-budget action films that resonate with audiences both locally and internationally, highlighting themes of friendship, ambition, and cultural exchange.
Once Upon a Time in Uganda is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, as it contains comedic violence and some mature themes. Parents should consider the film's content and context before allowing younger viewers to watch.
Yes, Once Upon a Time in Uganda is based on real events and the true partnership between Isaac Nabwana and Alan Hofmanis. Their story reflects the challenges and triumphs of independent filmmaking in Uganda, making it both a documentary and a celebration of creativity.
At the end of Once Upon a Time in Uganda, tensions between Isaac and Alan come to a head as Isaac's success threatens their partnership. However, the resolution of their conflict reveals the importance of their friendship and mutual support, reinforcing the film's message about collaboration and shared dreams.
Once Upon a Time in Uganda can be streamed on various platforms, including popular services like Amazon Prime and Google Play. Availability may vary, so check your local listings for the most accurate options.
Once Upon a Time in Uganda is not a horror film; it is primarily a comedy with action elements. While there are moments of tension and excitement, the overall tone is light-hearted and entertaining rather than frightening.
Films similar to Once Upon a Time in Uganda include 'The Last Blockbuster' and 'American Movie,' which also celebrate independent filmmaking and the passion behind creating art with limited resources. These films share a comedic and heartfelt approach to storytelling.