Emma Okello, A Ugandan Filmmaker 

Emma Okello is a Ugandan filmmaker and director, He is best known for his psychological thriller film Reverie (2025), starring  Akena Godfrey, A film than won an ward for  best Director at Nyasa International film Festival in Malawi and won best Short film and best director at the Out Of Frame LA film Festival in Los Angeles.

Emma Okello was born on 21 September 2001 in Kampala , Uganda. His filmmaking career began in 2019 with self-taught videography through YouTube,  he immersed himself in developing skills in cinematography, editing, and storytelling by only using his Mobile Phone. He Created multiple short films like Akia, Revelation, a Mini series titled The Trap  and more. 

His efforts culminated in 2024 with the release of his break out work Hypochondriac, a short psychological drama co-created with his team under Phanuel ActM where he produced and directed it. The film garnered attention and it got nominated at the Uganda Film Festival. 

In 2019, Okello founded Phanuel ActM, an independent production company (STUDIO) through which he produced his  films. like his break out work Hypochondriac. 

Following the success of Hypochondriac, Okello went on to write, produce and direct Reverie (2025), a film that won awards and got selections including

• Award wining for  Best short film and Best Director at the Out of 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 at the Ateker International film Festival in Turkana, Kenya

. The film explores psychological themes through silent visuals and evocative storytelling through sound design, further cementing Okello’s reputation as an emerging filmmaker filmmaker.  

As Phanuel ActM grows, Okello remains committed to crafting films that resonate deeply not just as entertainment, but as art that heals, questions, and transforms. His story is still unfolding. 

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TAIMA AFRICA ARTICLE

KARAMOJA   -  COURTESY  -  OF  - PHANUEL ACTM