Accra, June 6, GNA- A Ghanaian casting director and international film professional Mawuko Kuadzi has been appointed to the jury of the 2025 Uganda Film Festival (UFF), solidifying his position as a leading figure in Africa’s creative landscape. Mawuko Kuadzi, who made history earlier this year as the first African to win the prestigious Artios Award from the Casting Society of America, joins a distinguished jury panel that includes Ugandan veteran actor and academic Philip Luswata-Kafuluma, Nigerian film executive Segilola Aboaba-Olunaike, director and producer Irene Kulabako, and media and distribution legend Simon Christian Tchokonte. The announcement, made by the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC), comes as the festival prepares for its highly anticipated edition on the theme “Local Stories, Global Impact.” The UFF has grown into one of East Africa’s most prominent cultural events, celebrating excellence in African filmmaking while positioning Uganda as a regional hub for cinematic innovation. “Mawuko Kuadzi brings not just global recognition, but a strategic Pan-African perspective that is crucial to where African cinema is headed,” said UCC spokesperson, Leonard Amanya. “His track record of talent discovery and his ability to connect African creatives with global platforms are vital assets for this year’s festival. Following the UFF, there are plans to send some of this year’s winners to participate in a residence programme on acting in Ghana as exchange creative students”, he added. Kuadzi’s inclusion on the jury follows a decade of impactful work across the continent. Through his company MK Casting, he has contributed to internationally acclaimed productions including Beasts of No Nation (Netflix), Treadstone (Amazon Prime), and Black Earth Rising (BBC/Netflix). His leadership of the Africa Monologue Challenge has helped nurture actors across 25 African countries, reinforcing his commitment to cross-border creative collaboration. The appointment is being seen by many analysts as a soft power boost for Ghana-Uganda relations, with creative diplomacy at its core.“This is a win for Africa,” said Benjamin Dwomoh-Doyen, President of the African Chamber of Content Producers. “It’s about leveraging our stories to shape perception, attract investment, and drive regional cooperation.” As UFF 2025 comes off this evening, the 6th of June 2025, expectations are high for a festival that not only showcases African narratives but helps define the continent’s voice in global cinema. With Kuadzi’s influence and experience now in the jury mix, that goal seems more achievable than ever.GNAEdited by George-Ramsey Benamba