ABOUT US
Cinema Under the Stars, Stories About the Choices We Make
Cinema Under the Stars is a school-based documentary screening and engagement platform that uses the power of storytelling to help young people navigate some of the most important choices of their lives.
We believe that every young person faces decisions that shape their future—choices about friendships, identity, education, relationships, health, money, technology, and personal responsibility. Yet many of these choices are made without the benefit of lived experience or safe spaces for honest discussion.
Through carefully crafted Ugandan documentaries, guided conversations, discussion materials, and community engagement activities, Cinema Under the Stars creates opportunities for students to learn from real stories and real people.
Our screenings transform schools into spaces where young people can reflect, ask questions, challenge assumptions, and discover positive pathways for their future.
Why We Exist
Young people today are growing up in a rapidly changing world filled with opportunities, pressures, and risks.
Schools work hard to prepare students academically, but many life decisions happen outside the classroom.
Cinema Under the Stars bridges this gap by using compelling documentary storytelling to bring real-life experiences into the learning environment.
Our Team
Paul Kavuma Nkwanga
Team Lead | Educator | Documentary ProducerPaul Kavuma Nkwanga is an educator, media trainer, and documentary producer with over 25 years of experience designing learning and communication programs for young people across Africa.
He has trained teachers, journalists, community leaders, and youth, and has worked with organizations including BBC World Service Trust, UNICEF, and Save the Children, to develop educational content that informs, inspires, and creates positive change.
As creator of Choices and leader of Cinema Under the Stars, Paul combines powerful storytelling with guided discussion to help students explore real-life challenges, strengthen decision-making skills, and build confidence for the future.
“Every choice tells a story. Every story can shape a choice.”
Monica Kasirye
Operations & Partnerships LeadMonica Kasirye brings over 18 years of leadership experience in finance, banking, telecommunications, media, and entrepreneurship. She oversees operations, partnerships, and programme management for Cinema Under the Stars, ensuring that every screening and school engagement is delivered professionally and efficiently.
A founding member of RadioBasket and Wizarts Media, Monica combines strong organizational leadership with a passion for education and social impact. Her experience in governance, planning, risk management, and stakeholder engagement helps ensure that schools, parents, and partners can participate with confidence.
Monica holds professional qualifications in Sustainable Finance from the University of Cambridge and International Sustainable Business from International Academy of Science and Engineering for Development.
Through Cinema Under the Stars, she helps build the partnerships and systems that enable meaningful learning experiences for young people across Uganda.
“Great educational experiences are built on strong partnerships and careful planning.”
Jimmy Mugema
School Engagement LeadJimmy Mugema leads the planning and delivery of Cinema Under the Stars screenings and school engagements. He works closely with schools, students, and local partners to ensure that every event is well organized, engaging, and meaningful.
With experience in event coordination, audience engagement, and production support, Jimmy plays a key role in creating a positive experience for participating schools. From coordinating screenings to facilitating smooth interactions between students, teachers, and the production team, he helps turn each screening into an opportunity for learning and discussion.
Jimmy is passionate about creating spaces where young people feel heard, valued, and inspired to think critically about the choices they make in their lives.
“The most powerful conversations often begin with a shared story.”
Sophie Ndagire
School Partnerships CoordinatorSophie Ndagire leads school outreach and partnerships for Cinema Under the Stars. She works directly with school leaders to introduce the Choices programme, coordinate participation, and help schools schedule screenings that fit their academic calendars.
Having previously worked with RadioBasket on educational radio dramas including Mu Kaguli, Tuteese, and Toliweka, Sophie brings valuable experience in using storytelling as a tool for learning and social change. Her understanding of educational media and her ability to build strong relationships with schools make her an important link between the programme and the communities it serves.
Sophie is passionate about helping schools access engaging learning experiences that encourage discussion, critical thinking, and positive decision-making among young people.
“Strong partnerships help great learning experiences reach more students.”
Our goal
Our Mission
To use the power of documentary storytelling, dialogue, and community engagement to inspire reflection, strengthen decision-making, and empower young people to navigate life’s choices with confidence.
Our vision
To become Africa’s leading educational documentary screening platform, helping young people learn from real stories, make informed choices, and build brighter futures.
Benefits
Cinema Under the Stars helps schools, students, communities
CREATIVE IDEATION
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Collaborative brainstorming
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Emphasis on originality
STRATEGIC PRE-PRODUCTION
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Meticulous planning
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Project management tools
Technology Integration
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Latest cinematic technologies
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Integrate virtual production