Kampala: As part of activities marking the 2025 Uganda Film Festival, Ugandan creatives received a major boost through an intensive training workshop facilitated by renowned Ghanaian casting director Mawuko Kuadzi, in collaboration with the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC).

According to Ghana News Agency, Kuadzi, a member of the Casting Society of America (CSA) and the first African to win the prestigious Artios Award in its 40-year history, was joined by fellow CSA members Casandra Hana, Global President of the CSA, and Olissa Rogers, an internationally respected casting director. Together, they delivered a powerful series of sessions aimed at equipping local creatives with tools to compete on the global stage.

The workshop focused on key topics such as Character Breakdown, Cold Reading for Monologue and Dialogue, and Vulnerability in Character Interpretation. Participants also engaged in an in-depth Q and A session, gaining valuable insights on the nuances of international casting and preparing for
opportunities in the European and Hollywood film markets.

One participant remarked on the practical nature of the information gained, noting that it provided insights into what casting directors are really looking for beyond talent, including emotional depth, adaptability, and readiness for global work environments. Casandra Hana and Olissa Rogers emphasized the importance of understanding international casting standards and encouraged participants to keep honing their craft in anticipation of global exposure.

Speaking after the event, Mawuko Kuadzi reaffirmed his commitment to raising professional standards across Africa’s creative industry. He mentioned plans to partner with governments across the continent for similar training sessions, with Ghana set to host the next edition in the coming months.

Nana Dwomoh-Doyen Benjamin, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers, highlighted the workshop’s broader impact, stating that a strong creative economy is essential for Africa to control its narra
tive and position itself globally. He expressed pride in supporting the vision of empowering Africans to tell their own stories in their own way.

The workshop marked a meaningful step in building a unified and professional Pan-African creative ecosystem, capable of reflecting Africa’s rich cultural identity and engaging meaningfully with the global entertainment market.