Yogera

Yogera (Luganda for "Speak") is a 2010 Ugandan socio-realism drama film directed by Donald Mugisha and James Tayler, and produced by Alex Irita under the Yes! That's Us filmmaking collective. Set in Kampala, the film follows Hope, a deaf woman who flees her rural village to join her hearing twin sister, G.G., only to face rejection and navigate urban challenges. Starring Cleopatra Koheirwe in dual roles, alongside Hellen Lukoma, Mark Bugembe, and Bobi Wine, Yogera explores communication, disability, and family ties. The film was directed by Donald Mugisha and premiered in Kampala on 22 June 2010.

Plot

Hope, a deaf woman from Ishaka, travels to Kampala after her mother’s death to live with her hearing twin sister, G.G. Embarrassed by Hope’s disability, G.G. rejects her, forcing Hope to confront Kampala’s harsh urban environment as a deaf individual. As Hope struggles to survive, G.G., driven by concern, searches for her sister, weaving a narrative of communication, reconciliation, and resilience. The film employs English, Luganda, and Ugandan Sign Language to highlight Hope’s isolation and strength.

Production

Yogera was independently produced by Yes! That’s Us, a Kampala-based collective led by Donald Mugisha, James Tayler, and producer Alex Irita. Filmed in HD using guerrilla filmmaking techniques, the low-budget project was supported by local grants and a collaboration with South African filmmakers. Incorporating English, Luganda, and Ugandan Sign Language, the film portrayed its deaf protagonist, building on Yes! That’s Us’s reputation for socially engaged cinema like Divizions.

Cast

The cast of ''Yogera'' was led by Cleopatra Koheirwe who acted two roles in the film as both Hope, the deaf young woman and protagonist of the film and as G.G, her hearing twin sister who shuns Hope away because of embarrassing her. The rest of the cast is made of celebrities.
* Cleopatra Koheirwe as Hope/G.G
* Mark Bugembe
* Bobi Wine (Robert Kyagulanyi), musician and politician, in a supporting role.
* Hellen Lukoma, known for The Hostel, in a supporting role.
* Olot Bonny

Release and reception

Yogera premiered on June 22, 2010, at Theatre Labonita in Kampala, earning praise locally for its depiction of disability and urban struggles.
It screened at international festivals, including the Durban International Film Festival, where it was lauded for its representation of deaf experiences but critiqued for pacing issues.
In 2011, the film was nominated for Best African Language Film at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), enhancing its regional profile.In Uganda, it reached audiences via video halls with video jockey (VJ) narration.

Cultural Impact

Yogera played a significant role in Uganda’s “Ugawood” film industry, showcasing local talent and addressing social issues like disability and urban alienation. Its use of Ugandan Sign Language raised awareness about accessibility, influencing community discussions on inclusion. The film’s festival success and AMAA nomination demonstrated the potential of low-budget Ugandan cinema to gain international recognition. Yogera remains a landmark in Ugawood for its authentic storytelling and social commentary.

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Yogera
Films about deaf people
Films about twin sisters
Films shot in Uganda
Films set in Uganda
2010 drama films
2010 films
English-language Ugandan films
Ugandan drama films
2010s English-language films