Requirements In Uganda Movie
What are the requirements for Filming in Uganda? This is a very common question and a concern by many film production companies including freelance filmmakers looking to go filming In Uganda. In this article, I will explain the basic requirements for filming In Uganda.
Apply In-Person
The following are the Steps for obtaining a licensing of the film and video works distribution License in Uganda. The applicant needs to fill an application registration form that requires name of the company or proprietor, address, estimated population to be served and health and safety standards undertaken
Every application for a filming license shall be made to the licensing officer in writing and shall be accompanied by a full description of the scenes in, and the full text of the spoken parts (if any) of, the entire film which is to be made, notwithstanding that part of the film is made or to be made outside Uganda. The application forms can be obtained from the Uganda communication commission Offices.
If any title, sub-title, text, description, synopsis or other part of the film is in a language other than English, the licensing officer may require a translation thereof into English, certified to his satisfaction, or may submit then same for the examination and report of such persons as he may appoint for the purpose
Provided that the licensing officer may in his discretion in any particular case accept an application notwithstanding that it is not accompanied by such description and text if he has been given such other information as he requires for the determination of the application.
On addition to the written application Purchase a set of forms from the Registration Unit of the Commission. Fill all the necessary part and attach all the necessary documents on the application. Please specify your contact details including the name of the party or parties (if the applicant is part of a consortium), an address, phone number(s) and e -mail address (where possible).
Any application for video show or video library and cinema theatre must be accompanied by a letter of approval from the local authorities in the area where the show is going to take place.
Only distributors registered and licensed by the Uganda communication Commission are allowed to apply for release certificate for video and films distribution for the purpose of commercial distribution within Uganda.
Each film submitted to the commission is reviewed and placed into a classification rating-General exhibition (GE), Parental Guidance (PG), 16 and 18/A. Classification and rating are determined using the following criteria.
Amount and frequency of violence (crime)
Amount and frequency of sex, horror and nudity
Amount and frequency of drugs, tobacco, solvents and alcohol
Amount and frequency of profanity, religion and community
On violence and crime in films, the commission checks on excessive blood; dismembered or disfigured limbs and bodies; prolonged images of dead or seriously injured people; explicit cruelty or violence towards human beings or animals; celebration or glorification of crimes.
On sex, obscenity and nudity, the Board rates nudity, exposure of fondling of female breasts, human or animal sexual organs and explicit images of sexual activities or pornography.
On horror and occult, rating takes in account films that glorify or encourage horror and occult; instill fear or revulsion about the consequences of not following such practices
Films that justify, Promote, commission encourage or glamorize use or misuse of drug related product, smoking, tobacco and alcohols are also classified.
Attach a Valid distribution agreement and the necessary documents on the Application form including the Valid Distribution agreement showing a brief plan the way to distribute the Films and Video.
The application to distribute and/or exhibit a film or video works by a distributor and/or exhibitor shall be accompanied by a valid distribution agreement. The distributor’s agreement must display in a special register, the authority of distribution acquired either from the Copyright Owner, or higher level distributor.
The distribution of a film or video works over which the principals have obtained the distribution rights over the territory covered by its license.
Before submitting your application form attach copies of the Memorandum Of Association showing evidence of financial commitment to the agreement with the copyright owner over a particular product or movie titles.
Before granting a film and Video distribution license, the licensing officer may require that any cinematograph film to be distributed is unsuitable for general exhibition, the commission put emphasis on the following forms of video distribution
for adults only;
unsuitable for children under the age of sixteen years;
unsuitable for children under the age of ten years.
If the film/video to be distributed is for adults only the Commission issues a certificate of approval subject to the condition that no child should be admitted to the exhibition thereof. This must be mentioned in all advertisements and on all posters of the film concerned, and announced on the cinema screen immediately before the film is exhibited or distributed.
Required Documents
- Identification Card copy
- Copy of movie synopsis
- Marketing and distribution strategy
Office Locations & Contacts
Uganda Communications Commission.
P.O.Box 7376 Kampala, Uganda.
Toll Free: 0800222777
Tel:+256 414 339000/ +256 312 339000
Email: ucc@ucc.co.ug