Entertainment Biz - National Geographic Documentary Films - Bobi Wine The People’s President

Hailed as ‘A Portrait of Unfathomable Political Courage,’ Documentary Follows Ugandan Music Sensation and Opposition Leader Bobi Wine in His Fight for Democracy - (Graphic: Business Wire)

National Geographic Documentary Films Announces Theatrical Release for Festival Favorite Bobi Wine: The People’s President, Starting July 28 - Hailed as ‘A Portrait of Unfathomable Political Courage,’ Documentary Follows Ugandan Music Sensation and Opposition Leader Bobi Wine in His Fight for Democracy

WASHINGTON USA -- (BUSINESS WIRE )

Monday July 24, 2023

National Geographic Documentary Films announced the July 28 theatrical release of BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT, the award-winning feature documentary debut from directors Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp and produced by Christopher Sharp, alongside two-time Academy Award winner John Battsek’s Ventureland. In partnership with Variance Films, the documentary will open in theaters in New York and Los Angeles starting July 28 before rolling out to additional markets, followed by National Geographic Channel and Disney+ later this year.

“A shocking, tender work” (The Economist), BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT follows Bobi Wine, who was born in the slums of Kampala and became one of Uganda’s most popular musical talents the country has ever seen. In the midst of the violence, corruption and injustice of the ruthless regime led by Yoweri Museveni, Bobi decides to become the Ugandan opposition leader in the much-disputed 2021 presidential election.

Using his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and support his life’s mission to defend the oppressed and the voiceless people of Uganda, Bobi risks his life and the lives of his wife, Barbie, and their children to take on the country’s corrupt police and military, who are not afraid to use violence and torture in a vain attempt to intimidate and silence Bobi and his supporters.

“Being born and raised in Uganda, I feel strongly that the people there should have leaders who represent their collective interests. After meeting Bobi and Barbie I was compelled to share their story with the world — a story of courage and bravery in the face of merciless violence. My hope is that the film will encourage all those who suffer under autocratic regimes to continue the fight for freedom,” said Sharp, co-director.

Currently seeking political asylum in the U.S., co-director Bwayo stated, “It is incredibly gratifying to share the story of my motherland, Uganda, during a time in history when a brave group of individuals led by Bobi Wine dared to dream of a different future for our country against a 35-year military dictatorship. The fight for a truly democratic society continues, but it demands tremendous sacrifice; I only hope this struggle for change brings a breath of fresh air that Uganda urgently needs.”

BOBI WINE: THE PEOPLE’S PRESIDENT premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, where critics raved, calling it “a portrait of unfathomable political courage” (The Playlist) and “an intimate portrait of a hugely engaging figure” (Screen International), with Variety noting that the film “startles with its immediacy.”

The film went on to screen at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival, BFI London International Film Festival, IDFA and The Hamptons International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature. It has continued to shine on the festival circuit in 2023 with sold-out showings at True/False, CPH: DOX, Millennium International Documentary Film Festival, taking home two of the festival’s coveted statues — the Audience Award in International Competition as well as the Human Rights Award. Additional awards the film has picked up this year include the Audience Award for Documentary Feature at the Boston International Film Festival as well as the Special Jury Award at the 2023 Blue Water Awards.

The film will host its New York premiere screening with a special performance by Bobi at Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage on July 27, in partnership with Rooftop Films.

“Bobi and Barbie’s courage and unwavering commitment to bringing democracy to the people of Uganda is hugely inspiring,” said Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of Scripted and Documentary Films for National Geographic. “We hope audiences around the world will be moved by their powerful journey.”

National Geographic Documentary Films has multiple award-winning films under its banner, including the Academy Award, BAFTA and seven-time Emmy Award-winning “Free Solo,” the Academy Award and BAFTA-nominated and Peabody and Sundance Award-winning “Fire of Love,” and the Academy Award and Emmy Award-nominated “The Cave”. Other critically acclaimed films in its collection include BAFTA nominees “The Rescue” and “Becoming Cousteau,” the Sundance and Peabody Award-winning “The Territory,” three-time Emmy Award winner “The First Wave,” Emmy winners “LA 92” and “Jane,” and the short film “The Flagmakers”.

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