Feature Documentary
NYT Critics Pick | DOC NYC Grand Jury Prize Winner

What happens when a New York film nerd stumbles into the wild world of Uganda’s no-budget action movie scene? Fireballs, friendship, and a filmmaking bromance for the ages.

Meet Isaac Nabwana, the self-taught director hailed as “Africa’s Tarantino,” and Alan Hofmanis, the American who dropped everything to help put Wakaliwood on the map. Together, they shoot kung-fu flicks with homemade props, neighborhood stuntmen, and more spirit than Spielberg. But as Wakaliwood’s fame explodes, so does the tension between art, ego, and who gets to tell the story.

🎬 Streaming now on Google Play, Documentary+, and Fandango at Home
💿 Collector’s Blu-ray via Vinegar Syndrome
🌐 onceuponatimeinuganda.com
🍅 Rotten Tomatoes: 95% Certified Fresh

"A triumphant, infectiously joyous celebration of film and filmmaking that should inspire DIY artists everywhere." — Rotten Tomatoes

🏆 Award Highlights:
• Grand Jury Prize – DOC NYC
• Grand Jury Prize – Florida Film Festival
• Best Documentary – Afrykamera
• Young Jurors Prize – Pordenone Docs Fest
• Runner-Up, Best Doc – CUFF.Docs