Emmanuel Okello: Crafting Stories That Shift Perspectives

From self-taught beginnings to festival recognition, Emma’s journey as a Ugandan film director showcases the transformative power of storytelling.

Meet Emmanuel Okello, a dedicated film director from Kampala, Uganda, whose passion for storytelling began in 2019 through self-taught lessons on YouTube. Over the years, Emma has grown significantly, with one of his films earning a nomination at the Uganda Film Festival 2024, a milestone that highlights his progress and determination.

Emma’s love for the film industry lies in its ability to shift emotions and provide audiences with a new perspective on life. "It’s like giving them a new dimension," he explains, emphasizing the profound impact of storytelling in changing how people view the world.

Among his achievements, the recognition of his work at the Uganda Film Festival stands out as a testament to his growth and creativity. However, Emma’s journey has not been without challenges. Teamwork issues and financial constraints often hinder projects, as team members may fail to meet their responsibilities and resources like equipment and suitable locations can be hard to secure.

Despite these obstacles, Emma’s work continues to contribute to showcasing Africa’s creativity, resilience, and potential. Through his YouTube channel, “Phanuel Music,” and other media projects, Emma amplifies the voices of African youth, celebrating their talents and innovative ideas. He is also laying the groundwork for a media company that aims to empower young creatives by providing platforms for them to share their stories and inspire change.

Emma draws inspiration from Loukman Ali, a renowned Ugandan film director. "Whenever I feel demotivated, I watch his movies. This keeps me going," he says, showcasing his admiration for Ali’s work.

To aspiring filmmakers, Emma advises: "Don’t rush. The ideas you have won’t come out exactly how you want them at first. It takes time and practice. I am still learning too." This humility and commitment to growth define Emma’s approach to his craft.

Looking ahead, Emma’s goal is to tell untold African stories that showcase the continent’s rich and diverse heritage. He believes the film industry’s growing audience will create more job opportunities for aspiring filmmakers, further enriching Uganda’s creative landscape.

For Emma, storytelling also plays a crucial role in debunking myths about Africa, replacing misconceptions with authentic narratives that highlight the continent’s vibrancy and innovation.

Connect with Emma: Follow his journey and updates on Instagram via emma.o.

Fun Fact: While Emma describes himself as quiet, he admits that once he’s comfortable—especially when talking about film—he becomes unstoppable.