I first saw him in the series, 'The Lincoln Lawyer,' and then I met him on that chilly Kampala Friday evening at the premiere of his film, 'Memories of Love Returned.'
I asked him, 'What do ou need?'
'More support,' he said.
Ntare Mwine, Ugandan award-winning film maker, producer and actor based in the US has struck a deep chord running across two millennia.
Captured in his film, 'Memories of Love Returned,' photographs, stories, and memories from the second half of the 20th century to the 21st century, Ntare has rekindled more than a journey.
Ntare Mwine with Beverley, at the Kampala premiere of 'Memories of Love Returned.'
Kibaate, the protagonist, is a photographer who had a chance encounter with Ntare in 2002, when the latter's car broke down in Mbirizi, a small town in Western Uganda.
This chance encounter led to Mwine discovering a treasure trove through Kibaate, a local photographer, who had captured decades of photographs of couples in the most memorable, bizarre, romantic and noteworthy poses. All the photos in black and white had women in mini skirts and afros, men in flared trousers and tight shirts, women with naturally glowing skin looking adorably towards the camera and men posing in protection mode over their partners.
Other photos depicted deep friendships amongst girls and amongst boys, and even more of weddings taken through various fashions over the decades.
As the film progresses, Kibaate's extended family, including his 3 wives, close to 50 children and dozens of nephews, nieces and grandchildren are portrayed in this must-watch documenary film.
Ntare Mwine takes over 20 years through Kibaate's journey, visiting family, important sites and developing over 5,000 analog photos into contemporary visuals.
It takes copious amounts of time, dedication and perseverance.
From 2002, this journey began. 24 years later, the world is treated to this instrinsic journey of Kibaate, to the mind-boggling space of Mbirizi's culture, the socio-politics of extended families and the warmth of friendship and romance.
The film shows again on Saturday 14 March, due to popular demand.
Ronnie Mayanja, who runs the Uganda Diaspora Network and other major players have been instrumental in bringing this to life.
If you haven't yet and are in Kampala, reserve your ticket now.
Bless.
Bev
