Stream East Platform Launched at Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Summit
The launch served as the grand finale of a four-day Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Summit, held under the UNESCO-supported Revitalising the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement [REFILE] project, funded by the International Fund for Cultural Diversity [IFCD]
KAMPALA, July 11,2025 — A significant milestone for the Eastern Africa film industry was marked on Thursday as cultural leaders, filmmakers, and policymakers from across the region gathered at Esella Country Hotel in Najjera, Wakiso district for the official launch of Stream East, a homegrown digital streaming platform set to transform the distribution and promotion of regional film content.
The launch served as the grand finale of a four-day Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Summit, held under the UNESCO-supported Revitalising the Film Industry for Livelihood Enhancement [REFILE] project, funded by the International Fund for Cultural Diversity [IFCD].
Uganda is one of eight participating countries, alongside Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, and Zanzibar, working together to implement this regional initiative aimed at strengthening livelihoods through a united and more commercially viable film sector.
Organised by the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development [MGLSD] in partnership with Pearlwood, Uganda’s umbrella organisation for filmmakers, the summit attracted high-level delegates. These included representatives from UNESCO’s Regional Office in Nairobi, the Uganda National Commission for UNESCO [UNATCOM], the Uganda Registration Services Bureau, collecting societies, and film federation leaders from across Eastern Africa.
Commissioner Juliana Naumo Akoryo, speaking on behalf of Permanent Secretary MGSLD Aggrey Kibenge, described the summit as a “convergence of minds and experiences that will shape the future of the film industry in Eastern Africa.”
A Landmark Agreement: The Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Pact
One of the summit’s key outcomes was the signing of the Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Pact, a landmark agreement committing participating countries to greater collaboration in content creation, intellectual property protection, market access, and revenue-sharing models.
“This Pact is more than a document. It is a declaration of unity, vision, and mutual empowerment,” said Commissioner Akoryo.
Stream East Platform: A Digital Home for Eastern Africa Cinema
Developed under the US$ 100,000 REFILE project, the Stream East platform offers filmmakers a unique opportunity to access global audiences and monetise their work. Described as a “digital home for Eastern Africa cinema,” the platform is regionally owned and led by filmmakers themselves. It enables access to regional and international markets, supports revenue generation, and celebrates the cultural richness of East African societies.
Commissioner Akoryo noted, “This is a vital space for showcasing our stories, connecting creators with new audiences, and creating sustainable income streams for film professionals.”
Julius Bwanika, Secretary General of Pearlwood, echoed the sentiment, emphasising that the platform is managed by producers’ associations and is open to all legitimate filmmaker groups across the region.
“This is about empowerment from within,” Bwanika said.
A Regional Commitment
The signing of the Pact also led to the establishment of the Regional Filmmakers’ Union and an Interim Council to coordinate activities for the initial three months. The leadership includes:
- Secretary General: Salma Salim Adim [Zanzibar]
- Vice Secretary General: Dusabimana Apollos [Rwanda]
- Council Secretary: Bridget T. Chibwe [Zambia]
These leaders, along with presidents and secretaries of key film federations, have pledged to promote long-term cooperation, fair compensation for creators, and stronger cross-border policy support.
In her address as Interim Secretary General, Salma Salim Adim described the initiative as “more than a document, it is a movement. A promise to collaborate across borders, protect our rights, and amplify the cultural voices that define our region.”
She stressed the collective ownership of the platform: “This is a regional effort, not owned by any single country, but driven by our united resolve.”
Salma also noted that Stream East directly addresses long-standing industry challenges such as distribution and marketing: “We’ve all struggled to sell and market our films. This platform is a breakthrough. It provides regional access and allows films to be streamed at affordable rates, all while celebrating our diversity.”
She clarified that Stream East is not in competition with global platforms such as Netflix, but rather complements the digital landscape by offering culturally authentic, locally managed alternatives.
Who Signed the Pact?
The signatories of the Eastern Africa Filmmakers’ Pact include representatives from leading film organisations in each participating country:
- Uganda – Pearlwood: Namatovu Aisha (President), Julius Bwanika [General Secretary]
- Tanzania – TAFF: Rajabu Amiry Abdallah [President], Fadhili Francis Mfate [Secretary General]
- Rwanda – Rwanda Film Federation: Mugisha James [President], Dusabimana Apollos [Secretary General]
- Zambia – National Association of Media Arts: Bridget T. Chibwe [President], Wilo Paul Shamulanga [Producer]
- Kenya – KFTPA: Onyango Ezekiel [Chairperson], Kiruhi Eddah Wangui [Vice Secretary]
- Zanzibar – Film Producers’ Guild: Salma Salim Adim [President], Mohamed Selemani Hamad [Producer]
A New Era for Storytelling
The launch of Stream East marks a turning point in the journey towards a unified and dynamic Eastern Africa film industry. With regional policies aligning, collaborative structures taking shape, and digital tools like Stream East being embraced, the sector is poised for a new era of storytelling rooted in the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
Salma concluded, “We are not just imagining change, we are building it.”
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