Stone Town, Zanzibar — A deeply moving Ugandan feature film, Janani: The Last Stand, which chronicles the life—and tragic death—of Archbishop Janani Luwum under Idi Amin’s dictatorship, has taken home two major awards at the 28th Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) held June 25–29, 2025. The film scored Best Feature Film and Best Actor (East Africa) for Peter Odeke’s powerful portrayal of Luwum.
Directed by celebrated Ugandan auteur Matt Bish and starring Peter Odeke, the 90‑minute biopic delves into Luwum’s courageous resistance to Amin’s oppressive regime, which seized power in 1971. Luwum emerged as a formidable moral voice, condemning human rights abuses—and paid the ultimate price when he was executed on February 17, 1977.
Originally premiered in Kampala on December 7, 2024, the film captures Luwum’s spiritual leadership and unwavering stand against tyranny—even in the face of death.
Speaking after the festival announcement, director Matt Bish took to LinkedIn to express his pride: “Huge congratulations to the entire cast and crew of Janani: The Last Stand on winning Best Feature Film and Best Actor (East Africa) at ZIFF 2025… Let’s celebrate this incredible achievement and continue telling powerful stories that inspire”.
ZIFF: A Platform for “Hope Takes Root”
As East Africa’s premier cultural event, ZIFF champions compelling narratives from the region and beyond. Now in its 28th edition—fittingly themed “Where Hope Takes Root”—the festival celebrates resilience, artistic ingenuity, and the transformative power of storytelling across more than 100 films from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, Asia, and the US.
Janani: The Last Stand not only headlined the opening ceremony but also marked a high point for Uganda’s flourishing film scene, which saw fellow countrymen win awards in categories ranging from Best Actress in TV drama (Damalie) to Best Documentary (Memories of Love Returned).
A Legacy of Courage and Cinematic Excellence
Archbishop Janani Luwum remains a symbol of moral integrity and spiritual courage. By bringing his story to the screen, Matt Bish and his team have helped enshrine his legacy for a new generation.
The film’s ZIFF accolades underscore both its artistic merit and its profound message of standing up against brutality—even when silence seems safer. As Uganda’s film industry gains momentum on the international stage, Janani: The Last Stand exemplifies how local stories can resonate globally.