We can’t tell you how chuffed we were with Saturday’s turnout for the UK premiere of The Rwenzori Rainmakers.
All three parts of the documentary screened across the afternoon and early evening at the beautifully intimate Ultimate Picture Palace in Oxford — a Grade II listed, community-owned independent cinema, and one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK.
And we very nearly filled it!
With a short break between screenings, the audience stayed completely engaged throughout, even joining in the Q&A with Zuleika (the Director and Editor of the films) and Praveen Moman, a visionary conservationist, winner of Newsweek Future of Travel Awards 2021 and Founder of Volcanoes Safaris. Praveen is one of our very generous sponsors and partner going forward.
One attendee, Sheila, shared:
”Oh Jacqui and Zuleika what a film, what a marvellous film. My goodness… I said to my husband, was it the intimate space? Was it the slower pace of the film? Was it the simple language of the local people telling their story in their way, instead of a celebrity presenter giving you high impact summaries and graphics? The photography was terrific - the images of the birds and their vibrant colours really draws in the fascination of that part of Africa. It feels like a beautiful important conservation tale that should rally so many people to build on the information you showed. I do hope you find a promotional pathway that gives legacy to your film.”
Another attendee, Frances, wrote:
“Dear Zuleika, Wow just wow. Congratulations on an amazing event. Here are my thoughts: Beautifully sensitive, immersive and exquisite cinematography and editing. Bravo, you are a master filmmaker and it was a privilege to watch your three films. Shout out to the composer too for a beautiful score, perfectly edited by you to fit the right moments in the films. Overall I found the films to be deeply impactful, inspiring and moving. In fact I was so immersed in the community, the projects and the landscape that I didn't want to leave. Amazing skill and such important work, you should be incredibly proud. I hope you will be able to stream them so that I can recommend many others to watch.”
A.Merifield wrote:
“A very local story, led by and with the community, with global implications, responding to global issues of climate change and biodiversity loss. You feel like you’ve spent time with the Rwenzori Rainmakers at the foundry and in the forest, in the community and the classroom. Some incredibly inspirational characters who tell their story in a very humble way.”
Next up: more screenings — this time in Uganda, where the films were made and where the story originates.
Follow our impact campaign The Rain Starts With Us and check the events page to track our journey. We’re especially excited to reach outlying villages in Western Uganda, all connected to the vital water systems of the Rwenzori Mountains.
Our hope? That our film and the workshops accompanying them will inspire many more people to become “Rainmakers.”
Jacqui Doughty Producer of THE RWENZORI RAINMAKERS
