National Geographic Documentary Films’ Oscar-shortlisted documentary, BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT, will be returning to select theaters throughout the country in time for the Marth Luther King Day weekend.
The documentary follows Bobi Wine, a musician, Ugandan opposition leader and former member of parliament, during the country’s cataclysmic 2021 presidential elections. Wine, real name Robert Kyagulanyi, launched the National Unity Platform (a legally registered Political Organisation) to take on Yoweri Museveni’s allegedly corrupt party.
“Bobi Wine is a courageous African leader committed to bringing democracy and equality to the people of Uganda. A re-release of BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT over the holiday weekend is the perfect opportunity to honor his heroism,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of Scripted and Documentary Films for National Geographic. “We are dedicated to sharing this film with the widest audience possible in order to urgently highlight Bobi’s inspiring fight for freedom.”
Running against the leading party nearly cost Wine his life.
In September 2018, the government banned gatherings of Kyagulanyi’s supporters, limiting rallies and concerts ahead of any planned elections. The restrictions made it almost impossible for him to carry out a steadfast campaign. August of that same year, Kyagulanyi was forced to travel to the United States on bail to seek medical treatment for injuries he said he sustained in military custody following his arrest at the beginning of that month.
The documentary is co-directed by Ugandan-born filmmakers Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp. Bwayo made headlines in August 2022 after he was arrested and brought before a court in Kampala, where he was charged with illegal assembly.
At the time of his arrest, Bwayo was under a contract with a UK-based production company, Southern Films.
Bwayo and Sharp stated that they are “thrilled” to be able to show audiences across the globe what is happening in Uganda.
The duo went on to add, “As documentary filmmakers, we were fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to relate events that can bring about transformation. Our goal in making this film was to create an authentic representation, not just of the dramatic events unfolding in Uganda but also of the raw and genuine spirit of an inspiring group of people. In a world that presently feels more tyrannical than ever, where truth has become expendable. We have a duty to celebrate those who stand against violence and offer hope in the face of autocracy.”
Moses Bwayo, a #Uganda-n journalist who was arrested (later released on bond) for documenting a #BobiWine music video shoot last month has today been remanded to Luzira Prison until next Friday after being charged with "unlawful assembly" #PressFreedomUG #JournalismIsNotACrime pic.twitter.com/JaSFRc0x6r
— The Observer (@observerug) March 4, 2020
Bobi Wine: The People’s President returns to the big screen on Jan. 12-14 in New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The following theaters will be showing BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT:
New York City, IFC Center — Find showtimes here.
Los Angeles, Laemmle Monica Film Center — Find showtimes here.
San Francisco, Presidio Theater — Find showtimes here.
