18 February 2007
interview
Sidney Mukasa, is the Marketing Operations Manager, Cineplex Cinema. He told DENNIS D. MUHUMUZA about his passion for movies
How would you describe someone with that hairstyle?
It depends, but for me I'm a Rastaman under the Ras Clan entertainment. We come together as light-minded people; we are professional reggae deejays and strictly play reggae music. I'm a simple Ugandan but a very strong pan-Africanist and a strong believer in a better future for Africa.
Is it true Rastafarians smoke 'weed?'
You know people are always pointing fingers: 'he smokes this and that' but at the end of the day what have they done that has economic value for the betterment of all of us? Some people will be very offended if you speak about 'weed' that way; it's a very important herb; it's medicine, we should be bigger than looking at people's habits and appearances; you know I'm not my hair or what I smoke.
Now, on talking movies and your job...
When I see a good movie I want somebody else to see it as well. You know that feeling you used to get watching a film with your family and every interesting part that comes you wanna tell them, 'he's going to shoot him, he's going to shoot him,' and that kind of excitement. Once I see a good film I try to bring it to the people at Cineplex; it's all part of my job.
How does our film industry rate?
The film industry in Uganda is growing. We needed big projects like the Last King of Scotland to showcase that we are really talented; when we sing we sing, when we dance we really dance. We've been going to Pride Theatre, Bat Valley Theatre to see the likes of Abbey Mukibi and Kato Lubwama perform. So, we have our own stars but now we need to put them on a big stage when they know they are on a big stage, believe me, they'll perform better. It's a matter of time before the ki-Nigeria wave happens all over again with Ugandan movies.
What do you think of guys who translate movies to Luganda and screen them in Bibanda?
They are geniuses! I mean if am sitting with my cousin from the village, he's never been to school; I want us to enjoy the movies. These guys actually started on that note. They give you what's happening and the excitement in the film. If it's a love story you feel what's going on there and if it's a bank robbery you feel the tension. That's why I say they are doing a fantastic job. About Bibanda movies, I see nothing wrong with that. While I would like all these people to enjoy a film on a giant screen, it won't happen now. However, film is very powerful; it doesn't really matter where you watch it from.
What do you look for in a movie?
It depends on the genre but I've my own rating system; my most beloved film may not be to your liking. For example I like Beat the Drum because it tells you the plight of African children with HIV/Aids. I love movies that say something; entertaining to watch, lots of bombs and explosions and fast cars and sexy women -but also with a story behind.
Who's your favourite actor?
I really like Morgan Freeman; he's one of those actors who are up there. And I've a new found respect for Forest Whitaker. And then I also have a new villain that I like. This is called Masanga -that's the character of Abbey Mukiibi in the Last King of Scotland. He brings out that kind of fear we all had, if you are to reach a roadblock your worst nightmare was to meet someone like that.
What's your final message to folks out there?
We live in a small world no matter how big you think you are. Just look around the value of life; people always killing each other. When will the fighting and the wars stop? Love one another and things will be okay.
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