Disney’s National Geographic Documentary Films has announced that the documentary, “Bobi Wine: The People’s President” is going to be released in theatres in New York and Los Angeles starting July 28th 2023, before rolling out to additional markets, followed by National Geographic Channel and Disney+ later this year.

This award-winning feature documentary comes from directors Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp and it is produced by Christopher Sharp, alongside two-time Academy Award winner John Battsek’s Ventureland.

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” follows Bobi Wine, who was born in the slums of Kampala and became one of Uganda’s most popular musical talents the country has ever seen. In the midst of the violence, corruption and injustice of the ruthless regime led by Yoweri Museveni, Bobi decides to become the Ugandan opposition leader in the much-disputed 2021 presidential election.

Using his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and support his life’s mission to defend the oppressed and the voiceless people of Uganda, Bobi risks his life and the lives of his wife, Barbie, and their children to take on the country’s corrupt police and military, who are not afraid to use violence and torture in a vain attempt to intimidate and silence Bobi and his supporters.

Christopher Sharp said in a statement:

“Being born and raised in Uganda, I feel strongly that the people there should have leaders who represent their collective interests. After meeting Bobi and Barbie I was compelled to share their story with the world — a story of courage and bravery in the face of merciless violence. My hope is that the film will encourage all those who suffer under autocratic regimes to continue the fight for freedom,”

Currently seeking political asylum in the U.S., co-director Bwayo stated:

“It is incredibly gratifying to share the story of my motherland, Uganda, during a time in history when a brave group of individuals led by Bobi Wine dared to dream of a different future for our country against a 35-year military dictatorship. The fight for a truly democratic society continues, but it demands tremendous sacrifice; I only hope this struggle for change brings a breath of fresh air that Uganda urgently needs.”

“Bobi Wine: The People’s President” premiered at the 2022 Venice Film Festival, where critics raved, calling it “a portrait of unfathomable political courage” (The Playlist) and “an intimate portrait of a hugely engaging figure” (Screen International), with Variety noting that the film “startles with its immediacy.”

The film went on to screen at the 2022 Telluride Film Festival, BFI London International Film Festival, IDFA and The Hamptons International Film Festival, where it won the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature. It has continued to shine on the festival circuit in 2023 with sold-out showings at True/False, CPH: DOX, Millennium International Documentary Film Festival, taking home two of the festival’s coveted statues — the Audience Award in International Competition as well as the Human Rights Award. Additional awards the film has picked up this year include the Audience Award for Documentary Feature at the Boston International Film Festival as well as the Special Jury Award at the 2023 Blue Water Awards.

The film will host its New York premiere screening with a special performance by Bobi at Capital One City Parks Foundation SummerStage on July 27th 2023, in partnership with Rooftop Films.

Carolyn Bernstein, executive vice president of Scripted and Documentary Films for National Geographic, said in a statement:

“Bobi and Barbie’s courage and unwavering commitment to bringing democracy to the people of Uganda is hugely inspiring. We hope audiences around the world will be moved by their powerful journey.”

Are you looking forward to watching “Bobi Wine: The People’s President”?  Let us know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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