Kony: Order from Above is a 2017 Ugandan war film directed and produced by Steve T. Ayeny, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Sandra Kosse. The film stars Ayeny as Otti, Elizabeth Akullo as Aguti, Joel Okuyo Prynce as Joseph Kony, and Michael Wawuyo as Amziwa. Set during the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency in Northern Uganda, it follows the tragic love story of two childhood sweethearts, Otti and Aguti, torn apart by the conflict.
Kony: Order from Above centers on Otti and Aguti, young lovers in Northern Uganda whose lives are upended by the LRA insurgency. At age 11, Otti is abducted by the LRA and, after failed escape attempts, rises within the ranks, becoming a trusted soldier in Joseph Kony's inner circle. Meanwhile, Aguti attends Aboke Girls' School, and the two maintain contact through secret letters delivered via a village reverend. When the LRA discovers the correspondence, they raid Aguti's village, abducting her during an attack on her school. Unaware of her connection to Otti, Kony takes Aguti as his youngest wife and assigns Otti to guard her, creating a tense conflict between loyalty and love. As their relationship resumes in secret, Aguti becomes pregnant, prompting a desperate bid for freedom from the rebel camp.[9]
The film was produced by Atonga Entertainment Limited, a Kampala-based company founded by Steve T. Ayeny. Filming took place in Northern Uganda, capturing the Acholi region's landscapes and cultural context. Funding came from New Movie Production and Uganda's Ministry of Defense, with the latter supporting the film's portrayal of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) efforts against the LRA. While some critics questioned potential propaganda elements, Ayeny emphasized the film's focus on victims' experiences and resilience. The production, shot primarily in Acholi with some English and Kiswahili dialogue, faced challenges common in Uganda's nascent film industry, known as Ugawood, including limited budgets and technical resources. The cast, many fluent in Acholi and familiar with the conflict's history, lent authenticity to the storytelling.[10]
Themes
The film explores the enduring power of love amidst the brutality of war, with Otti and Aguti's bond serving as a counterpoint to the LRA's violence. It addresses the LRA's systematic abduction and forced recruitment of children, a reality for thousands in Northern Uganda, and highlights the plight of young women subjected to forced marriages and sexual slavery. Themes of survival, resilience, and the human cost of prolonged conflict resonate throughout, offering a poignant reflection on the Acholi community's trauma and strength. The narrative also subtly critiques the societal and psychological impacts of insurgency, emphasizing hope and reconciliation.[11]
Release and reception
Kony: Order from Above premiered in Gulu, a region heavily impacted by the LRA, before its official debut at the Zanzibar International Film Festival on December 2, 2017, where it won Best East African Film. The film received nominations for Best Feature Film and Cinematography at the 2017 Uganda Film Festival, winning six of nine nominated categories but losing "Film of the Year" to Devil's Chest. Critics praised its emotional depth, authentic performances, and contribution to Ugandan cinema, though some noted minor technical issues like sound quality. The Uganda Communications Commission lauded its rich local content. On IMDb, it holds a 7.7/10 rating, with audiences calling it a standout in Ugawood. In 2021, Trace Studios acquired distribution rights, expanding its global reach, and it was featured at the 2020 African Film Festival (TAFF).[12]
Historical context
Set during the LRA insurgency (1987–2006), the film reflects the conflict's devastating impact on Northern Uganda. Led by Joseph Kony, the LRA abducted over 30,000 children, displaced two million people, and caused over 100,000 deaths. Known for brutal tactics, including child soldier recruitment and sexual enslavement, the LRA operated in Uganda until 2006, later fleeing to neighboring countries. By 2017, their influence had significantly declined. The film's depiction of these events underscores the Acholi people's suffering and resilience, aligning with broader efforts to document and heal from the conflict's legacy.[13]
Academy Awards controversy
In 2019, Kony: Order from Above was announced as Uganda's submission for the Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards, a historic first for the country. However, the Academy disqualified the film for failing to meet eligibility criteria, including insufficient international distribution and procedural requirements. The rejection sparked debate in Uganda about the need for better support for its film industry to compete globally. Despite the setback, the nomination attempt raised the film's profile and highlighted Ugawood's potential.[14]
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