Phanuel ActM, The Artist Group.

Producing Independent films founded in 2019 in hearts of Kampala, Uganda. Company founded by Emma Okello and Co-Founded by Akena Godfrey, Odoi Lastone, Kaka Andrew and Andrew Kwizera.

How It All Started

Phanuel ActM was born out of grit and vision , not from big budgets or studios, but from a young creative's  fascination with how things work.

In Uganda, a group of young storytellers led by Emma Okello started filming with what they had not fancy cameras, but mobile phones. Those early projects weren’t about perfection, they were about learning, experimenting, and expressing something real. It wasn’t just a hobby, it was the beginning of a movement.

The Journey Begins

From the very start, Phanuel ActM believed that storytelling was about heart, not hardware. Using phones, they created short films like:

• The Testimony

• Revelation

• A two-episode mini-series titled The Trap

Each project built on the last, not just in quality, but in understanding. Emma Okello was teaching himself filmmaking through watching YouTube, framing shots, capturing emotion, learning editing, and discovering the power of cinema.  Driven by a deep love for film, Phanuel ActM took a bold leap  recreating the Netflix hit series Squid Game, using only mobile phones. It was a challenge, a tribute, and a statement, "we may not have the resources, but we have the fire."

Next came Akia, a short film that marked a turning point. For the first time, Phanuel ActM premiered their film publicly calling together friends, supporters, and members from different communities to share in the experience.  It was more than a screening  it was a celebration of growth, talent, and purpose.

This momentum led to deeper storytelling, better visuals, and stronger collaborations. With sharpened skills in cinematography and editing, Phanuel ActM took another big step.

In 2024, the team produced Hypochondriac, a powerful short film written by Kaka Andrew and directed by Emma Okello. The story  exploring the psychological tension of mental health, anxiety and depression earned national recognition and got nominated at the Uganda Film Festival 2024, But that was only the beginning. 

In 2025, Emma Okello wrote, directed, and produced Reverie, a psychological short film exploring memory, trauma, and loop. Produced under Phanuel ActM, Reverie became the studio’s biggest success to date:

• Award wining for  Best short film and Best Director at the Out of the Frame LA film festival in Los Angeles

• Award wining for Best Director at Nyasa International Film Festival in Malawi

• Invitation at the New York Tri-State International Film Festival (2025)

• Nominated at the Uganda Film Festival 2025

• Official selection by FABA films for Streaming

• Official selection by Juiced Film Festival for Screening in Nairobi, Kenya

• Official selection and nominated at the Ateker International film Festival in Turkana, Kenya

From filming with phones to international recognition, Phanuel ActM had made its mark.

Our Mission Today

Phanuel ActM is more than just a film company. It’s a growing family of young creatives committed to telling bold, beautiful, and emotional stories. 

Every film is a step. Every frame is a prayer. Every story is a seed. “We didn’t wait for the industry to notice us. We became the industry we dreamed of"

The People behind the Vision are  more than one director , it’s a creative family. We collaborate with talented young Ugandan artists including Akena Godfrey, Odoi Lastone, Kaka Andrew, Andrew Kwizera, Apio Jackie, and Awori Agulansi'

Together, we are shaping a new visual language for East African cinema , minimal, reflective, and unafraid.

Watch, Share, Support

You can explore and support our work here:

• YouTube: Phanuel ActM

• IMDb, TMDB, Letterboxd 

• Official Website: Coming soon

“We don’t just make films. We tell Stories through lenses.”