A Good Catholic Girl
| A Good Catholic Girl | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Matt Bish |
| Written by | Matt Bish |
| Produced by | Matt Bish |
| Starring |
|
Release date |
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| Country | Uganda |
| Language | English |
A Good Catholic Girl is a 2010 Ugandan short film about a Muslim girl's attraction to someone from a different religious affiliation. It was written, produced and directed by Matt Bish. Matthew Nabwiso won the Best Supporting actor award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for playing "Ahmed" in the film.[2] The film was included in Africa First: Volume Two, an anthology of short films by emerging African filmmakers, and gained recognition for its bold storytelling.[3][4][5]
Plot
Ahmed (a villainous butcher played by Matthew Nabwiso) is interested in a strict Muslim customer's daughter yet she loves someone else, a lowly carpenter (role played by Joel Okuyo Atiku Prynce) who isn't Muslim, which is forbidden (Haram) in their religion. Ahmed tries to rape her, and when she resists, he kills her. But, her lover avenges her.
Cast
The film was written, produced, and directed by Matt Bish, who took on multiple roles in the production process. The cast includes:
- Maureen Kulany as Amina
- Joel Okuyo Atiku as the carpenter and love interest
- Matthew Nabwiso as Ahmed, the villainous butcher
- Brenda Ibarah as Madina
- Tibba Murungi as Amina's Friend
- Sharon Amali as Amina's Friend
- Cathy Masajjage as Mother
- Herbert Kibirige as Father
Matthew Nabwiso, who plays the antagonist Ahmed, is a versatile performer known for his work in Ugandan entertainment as both an actor and musician.[6] He serves as the lead vocalist for the World Music band Soul Beat Africa and has worked as an auditions judge for Tusker Project Fame, one of East Africa's popular musical shows.[6]
Reception
The controversial film questions some Islamic ideologies and portrays religious tensions. It was included in Africa First: Volume Two, an anthology of five short films from new African filmmakers. Nabwiso scooped the Best Supporting Actor - Drama Award[7] at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) in Lagos, Nigeria in March 2013 beating four challengers: three Nigerians Osita Iheme, Fabian Adeoye Lojede and Kalu Ikeagwu plus South African Thomas Gumede. He was the only Ugandan nominee in the 26 category competition.
References
- ^ "Maisha to hold its first African film festival". Daily Monitor. Retrieved 14 June 2020.
- ^ Inyang, Ifreke (10 March 2013). "Mercy Johnson, Mirror Boy, Jackie Appiah, OC Ukeje - See full list of winners from AMVCA 2013". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ Abbott, Stephen; Bishanga, Matthew; Coulibaly, Daouda (15 August 2012), Africa First: Volume Two (Drama), Bocar Ba, Tehibou Bagayoko, Brenda Ibarah, Focus Features, retrieved 7 July 2025
- ^ "Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards 2013 Winners". Africa Magic. Archived from the original on 15 March 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ Gabara, Rachel (1 December 2014). "Africa First: Volume Two. Focus World. 2012". African Studies Review. 57 (3). cambridge.org: 254–258. doi:10.1017/asr.2014.127. ISSN 0002-0206.
- ^ a b "Mathew Nabwiso – Africa Film Producers". Africa Film Producers. Retrieved 7 July 2025.
- ^ "Uganda Observer - News, comment, sports, business, lifestyle and entertainment from Uganda". allafrica.com. allafrica.com. 3 July 2025. Retrieved 7 July 2025.