Ugandan Filmmaker Steve Ayeny Showcases Uganda at CineGear 2025 in Los Angeles

Ugandan filmmaker and executive producer Ayeny T. Steve has once again proven his dedication to advancing Uganda’s film industry—this time by participating in CineGear Expo 2025, one of the world’s premier events for film and production technology, held in Los Angeles, California.

Known for directing impactful dramas like Crossroads and Hotel Mara, and for the award-nominated film Kony: Order from Above, Ayeny continues to push the envelope. His upcoming project ADUI is already generating buzz, and with his recent trip to the U.S., expectations for the film have only grown.

At CineGear, Ayeny immersed himself in the latest innovations in cinematography, lighting, sound, and post-production tools. His goal? To identify technologies that can help raise the bar for Atonga Entertainment, his production company based in Uganda.

“Staying competitive in this global industry requires us to keep learning and adapting,” Ayeny said during the expo. “I’m here to find tools that can make Ugandan stories look and sound world-class.”

More than just a personal endeavor, Ayeny’s mission has wider impact. By embracing advanced filmmaking techniques, he’s positioning himself—and Uganda’s film community—for bigger international collaborations and higher production values.

Ayeny’s proactive approach resonates with the broader movement to spotlight Ugandan cinema globally, captured in the growing campaign, #MakingUgFilmsFamous. His journey reflects a new generation of African creatives who are not only telling compelling stories but also investing in the technical excellence needed to compete on the world stage.

As Ayeny returns home, industry watchers are eager to see how the knowledge and gear he brings back will influence upcoming projects—not just his own, but across Uganda’s fast-growing film sector.

Nate Nate