Main content

Welcome to Wakaliwood

4 Extra Debut. In the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda, some self-taught filmmakers run one of the world’s most unlikely movie studios. From 2017.

In the slums of Wakaliga, Uganda, a group of self-taught filmmakers run one of the world’s most unlikely movie studios.

Known as Wakaliwood, they’ve released 52 feature films in ten years, with kit built from scrap metal and old car jacks.

Despite this, their distinctive brand of kung fu action has found a global audience far beyond Kampala, with trailers going viral on YouTube and festivals around the world putting on sold-out screenings.

Filmmaker Isis Thompson travels to Uganda to experience life on the set of the latest Wakaliwood production, and find out how the tiny studio’s unexpected success is changing the fortunes of its cast and crew.

Photo of Wakaliwood action scene by Tess Williams

Producer: Olivia Humphreys

A Somethin' Else production for BBC Radio 4, first broadcast in August 2017.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Wed 13 Aug 202500:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra

Broadcasts

  • Mon 7 Aug 201716:00
    BBC Radio 4 FM
  • Tue 13 Feb 201811:30
    BBC Radio 4
  • Tue 12 Aug 202510:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Tue 12 Aug 202516:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Wed 13 Aug 202500:30
    BBC Radio 4 Extra