A local movie production 16 Barz King of Bawo has been nominated for the Best Southern African film at Uganda’s Ikon Awards. The film was produced and directed by actress-cum-producer Mirriam Phiri and the production is her first directory role. The Ikon Awards are one of Uganda’s biggest award platforms and they recognise excellence in film and media across the African continent.
Speaking in an interview yesterday, she said: “This means a great deal for me. What makes it even more special is that this is my first directory role. I feel grateful, humbled and recognised.” The 16 Barz King of Bawo movie is based on a true story of one of the cast members whose journey to stardom in a male-dominated music industry has not been rosy.
The film explores the abuse of power, sexism, sexual harassment and the aftermath of childhood trauma. It was just purely for fun. After seeing the movie, one of the cast members then approached the writers if she could use the platform to tell her own story,” said Phiri.
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Some of the actors in the movie include Desiree Namachotsa, Tionge Banda, Joe Kellz, VJ Ice, Blessed and Davie Gondwe. Phiri rose to stardom following her leading role in Charles Shemu Joyah’s award-winning movie The Road To Sunrise which earned her the best actress award at the African Movie Academy Awards and a nomination for best actress at the Shungu Namutima International Film Festival. She has also featured in other productions such as Virginity Policy, Manda Aliza and several television commercials.
She said: “It has been a good experience learning and unlearning, gaining more experience, not just as an actress, but also as a director. It is such an exciting field to be in. I have learnt different styles and techniques which have helped me became versatile.” The Ikon Awards are oganised by Reach a Hand Uganda and Sautiplus Media Hub and they are a premier annual celebration recognising excellence, creativity and innovation in the Ugandan and African film/television industry.
The 4th edition of the awards are slated for August 15 2026 at the Kampala Serena Hotel under the theme ‘Beyond borders’. The awards platforms website says: “The purpose of the awards is to honour, recognise and reward exceptional individuals and organisations in the film industry. The awards have expanded to include regional participation, with 4 Ikon Activate initiatives held across Africa.”
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