Ivan Echoni: Crafting Stories Through Sound Design

Ivan Echoni, a Ugandan sound design engineer from Arua, uses creativity and resilience to redefine African storytelling through the power of sound.

Meet Ivan Echoni, a passionate film sound design engineer from the West Nile region of Uganda, specifically Arua district. Ivan’s journey into sound design began in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown. While in his Form 6 vacation, he learned audio production at a friend’s studio—a moment that ignited his passion and set him on the path to success in the film industry.

What Ivan loves most about working in the film industry is the freedom to discover and utilize his inner abilities to tell stories. His dedication to sound design has led him to work on several notable projects, including "My Degree," "My Background," "The Perfect Lie," "The Guy's Night" (a project funded by the European Union), and the upcoming short film "Once Upon a Time in Mukono." These experiences have honed his craft and deepened his appreciation for teamwork in creating compelling stories.

Among these, Ivan holds "My Degree" closest to his heart. As his first project, it marked his entry into the industry and proved to be a pivotal moment in his career. Despite challenges like unreliable equipment—including using a headphone microphone to record the theme song—the project turned out beautifully and taught Ivan the value of resilience and resourcefulness.

Like many creatives, Ivan has faced challenges, notably the lack of adequate equipment to pursue personal projects. Nevertheless, he continues to acquire tools bit by bit, fueled by a determination to grow and contribute meaningfully to African storytelling. His work showcases the day-to-day struggles and triumphs of African youth, reflecting resilience, creativity, and potential. Ivan’s mission is to inspire others, nurture craftsmanship, and highlight Africa’s untapped storytelling abilities.

Ivan draws inspiration from industry greats such as Gaetano Kagwa (Actor), Allan Katongole (Actor), and Loukman Ali (Cinematographer, Director). Their achievements motivate him to strive for excellence and expand his horizons in sound design and beyond. To aspiring filmmakers, Ivan’s advice is clear: “The African film industry is a fresh, untapped land for exploration. Your uniqueness has something valuable to offer. Go for it!”

Looking ahead, Ivan envisions a future where the film industry thrives as a way of life and storytelling becomes a force that reshapes Africa’s global narrative. He is committed to creating sound design projects and audio stories that amplify Africa’s creativity and potential while promoting its cultural richness.

When he’s not designing sound, Ivan reveals a quirky side: he loves Rolex (chapati and eggs rolled together). This playful fact reflects his grounded personality and appreciation for simple joys.

To follow Ivan Echoni’s journey and projects, connect with him on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube under the name Ivan Echoni.