The Uganda Academy Selection Committee (UASC) has officially opened submissions for Ugandan feature films to be considered for the Best International Feature Film Award at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars), scheduled for March 15, 2026.

Founded in 2019 by Ugandan filmmaker Kizito Samuel Saviour through Film Club Uganda, and approved by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), the UASC is Uganda’s officially recognized body mandated to select one film each year to represent the country at the Oscars. The committee is headquartered at the Uganda National Cultural Centre – National Theatre in Kampala and comprises respected Ugandan film directors, producers, writers, distributors, and exhibitors.

What qualifies for entry?

To qualify for the Best International Feature Film category, films must:

• Be produced outside the United States.

• Have a predominantly non-English dialogue track.

• Have had at least a seven-day consecutive theatrical run in Uganda between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025.

???? The full eligibility criteria can be found here.

How to submit your film

Ugandan filmmakers are encouraged to submit their entries in one of two ways:

1️⃣ Digital submission via the official FilmFreeway portal: filmfreeway.com/uasc
2️⃣ Physical submission of three copies (preferably on flash drives) at the UASC offices, National Theatre – Kampala.

????️ Deadline for submissions: 24th September 2025
???? Selected film announcement: 29th September 2025

Submissions are free of charge, ensuring that all Ugandan filmmakers have an equal opportunity to participate.

Selection process

The UASC committee members will watch and evaluate every film in full, with each member providing grades and comments. Following a series of discussions and consultations, one film will be selected to represent Uganda at the Oscars.

Although the call for submissions is open, the committee may also screen films it deems fit and eligible. About 10 selection advisers support the process, though they do not participate in voting.

Why this matters

The winning entry will carry Uganda’s flag to the global stage, competing among the world’s best films for the prestigious Academy Award for Best International Feature Film.

For more details, filmmakers can contact the UASC coordinator at 0701 299 900 or email filmclubofuganda@gmail.com.