Reach A Hand Uganda CEO, Humphrey Nabimanya has earned a spot in an exclusive professional development program at the San Francisco Film Festival (SFFILM) 2025. Established in 1957, the SFFILM Festival is the oldest film festival in the Americas. It is famous for its commitment to film as a vehicle for social change. A key feature of the festival is its Artist Development program, which offers crucial support and innovative funding opportunities to filmmakers worldwide. The 2025 SFFILM Festival will take place from April 17–27, 2025 with both in-person and online events, parties, talks, and more.
Who is Humphrey Nabimanya?
Born on 14 November 1988, Humphrey Nabimanya is a Ugandan social entrepreneur, philanthropist, peer educator, founder, and team leader at Reach A Hand, Uganda and Sauti Plus Media Hub. Nabimanya graduated in 2013 from Makerere University with a bachelor’s degree in community psychology. During his first year at the university, Nabimanya founded Reach A Hand Uganda, a youth-led non-profit organization that is focused on youth empowerment programs.
In a recent social media update, Nabimanya shared his excitement and gratitude. “I am immensely thankful to the @usmissionuganda (U.S. Embassy in Uganda) and @WashFellowship (the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders) for making this opportunity a reality. Their support and belief in my potential are invaluable, and I’m eager to make the most of this experience,” he wrote. Nabimanya is among several leaders from sub-Saharan Africa who recently completed the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders.
What happens at the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders?
The Fellowship brings young leaders to the United States for academic coursework and leadership training for a specified period. Humphrey Nabimanya is one of the leaders who has just completed the 2024 Mandela Washington Fellowship. It creates unique opportunities for Fellows and Americans to collaborate as they spur growth and prosperity, strengthen democratic governance, and enhance peace and security across Africa and the United States. New applicants can apply from 13th August 2024. The fellowship is a U.S. Department of State initiative designed to empower accomplished leaders between the ages of 25 and 35. These should have a proven track record of driving innovation and positive change in their communities and countries.
What films has Humphrey Nabimanya produced?
As the executive producer through Reach A Hand and Sauti Plus Media Hub, Nabimanya has been instrumental in the production of three notable projects:
- Kyaddala (It’s Real): A television series that explores the social issues faced by young people across Africa and their efforts to navigate these challenges.
- When You Become Me: A film that received a nomination at the Cannes Film Festival and sheds light on the struggles faced by people living with disabilities in Uganda.
- Sabotage: A film that delves into sexual violence, abortion, and cultural traditions to bring attention to Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) in Uganda.
Nabimanya also expressed his enthusiasm about the journey ahead: “I’m looking forward to diving deep into the world of filmmaking, learning from industry veterans, and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share my passion for advocacy through film. Together, we can craft compelling stories that spark change, challenge societal norms, and give a voice to marginalized communities.”
His efforts include launching the iKon Awards, which celebrate creativity and innovation within the industry and work towards raising Uganda’s profile on the global cinematic stage.
