Reverie, a Ugandan Film

Logline: Charlie, a troubled artist, is caught in a deadly time loop, reliving the same night where a masked intruder takes his life. As the cycle repeats, he confronts the intruder, only to discover a shocking truth 

Reverie is an award winning Ugandan psychological thriller Written, directed and Produced by Emma Okello a Ugandan film director and Staring Akena Godfrey a talented Ugandan actor under Phanuel ActM. This film takes a quiet, introspective look at the inner workings of the human mind. Centered around a young man who finds himself caught in a time loop and present reality, the film gently unfolds into a portrait of mental isolation and emotional unrest.

Rather than following a traditional plot structure, Reverie leans into mood, silence, and visual storytelling to communicate its themes. Its pacing is slow and deliberate, encouraging the viewer to sit with the protagonist’s experience and interpret the meaning for themselves. The use of minimal dialogue and lighting helps create a raw, immersive atmosphere that reflects the main character’s state of mind.

Since its release, Reverie has steadily built a reputation as one of Uganda's emerging independent short films, earning recognition across both local and international film festivals.

In 2025, the film achieved a significant milestone when it won Best Short Film and Best Director at the Out of the Frame LA Film Festival in Los Angeles, United States. Later that year, director Emma Okello received the Best Director Award at the Nyasa International Film Festival in Malawi for his work on Reverie, becoming the only Ugandan filmmaker recognized at the festival that year.

The film's growing success led to official invitations and selections from several international festivals, including the New York Tri-State International Film Festival, the Serbest International Film Festival, and a number of African film showcases that highlighted emerging voices in independent cinema.

On April 14, 2025, Reverie received a nomination at the Uganda Film Festival (UFF), one of the country's most prestigious film events in the country. Later, on June 1, 2025, the film began streaming on FABA Films, an independent digital platform dedicated to showcasing African and international independent cinema.

International recognition continued throughout the year. On July 11, 2025, Reverie was officially selected by the Juiced Film Festival for screening in Nairobi, Kenya. Just days later, on July 14, 2025, the film was officially selected at the Ateker International Film Festival (AIFF) in Turkana, Kenya. The film also expanded its footprint through additional screenings and festival appearances across Africa and beyond, introducing wider audiences to its unique psychological and emotional storytelling.

The film's achievements continued into 2026. At the National Uganda Film Awards (NUFA) 2026, Reverie received seven nominations and emerged as one of the standout productions of the ceremony, winning Best Director, Best Editor, and Best Actor. The accomplishment further cemented the film's status as one of the most recognized Ugandan independent productions of its generation.

Praised for its restrained storytelling, atmospheric tension, and emotional depth, Reverie is more than a film that demands attention, it is a cinematic experience that invites reflection. Through its subtle narrative approach and poignant themes, the film has resonated with audiences and festival juries alike, establishing itself as a compelling example of modern Ugandan filmmaking and a growing presence on the international stage.

The Film is officially listed on TMDB, IMDb and Letterboxd

Reverie information

Release date: 1 March 2025

Runtime : 17 minutes

Country : Uganda

Director : Emma Okello

Writer : Emma Okello

Star : Akena Godfrey

Production house: Phanuel ActM

Trailer : Watch here     

OFFICIAL LIST OF WINNERS AT THE NAYSA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL IN MALAWI