From Wonder Woman 1984 to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, these extraordinary titles need to be on your list.
Last Saturday marked yet another International Women’s Day and Showmax plus myself aren’t holding back on spotlighting the ladies doing incredible things in the world of film. I have therefore rounded up a list of notable movies and series showcasing women in the lead role (protagonists) and portraying brilliance when it comes to bringing these roles and characters to life. Happy Watching!
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SERIES:
Loving Tyra
Kaitesi Gold Vivian also popularly known as Goldviv leads this brilliant Ugandan musical drama series. “Loving Tyra” follows the story of Tyra, a celebrated recording artist who in the quest for love becomes entangled in a complex relationship with a conman Mathias (played by Denis Dhikusooka Jr., who also doubles as the show’s creator) who has just escaped from prison. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Kampala’s ever growing music scene, the series explores themes of love, deception, and the challenges of fame. The series originally premiered on Pearl Magic TV on February 6, 2020, and became available on Showmax in September 2020.
Prestige
Ever wondered what happens when family members in the same industry/ work line clash? What happens in Ugandan television drama series “Prestige” is what happens, at least most likely. The drama revolves around the tumultuous lives of rival advertising executives who are also family members, exploring their relentless quest for power driven by emotions such as love, jealousy, grief, and hatred. Prestige stars a strong female cast, with Nana Kagga portraying Jazmine in Season 1, followed by Elizabeth Bwamimpeke taking over the role in Season 2 onwards, alongside Cleopatra Koheirwe as Eunice Kintu. The series has received critical acclaim, winning the Best Television Series award at the 2021 Uganda Film Festival Awards, and Nana Kagga won Best Actress in a TV Drama. The show spans a total of 374 episodes across three seasons. “Prestige” is produced by Nathan Magoola’s Ava Juliet Productions and is now streaming on Showmax.
Kampala Crème
Ugandan reality TV got a face lift last year when Pearl Magic TV rolled out elite realty TV show Kampala Crème. Featuring the soon-to-be “Mugole” Baby Gloria (Gloria Mulungi Ssenyonjo), Mami Deb (Deborah Nantongo), Etania (Edith Mutoni), and DJ Zato/ Zahara Toto (Zahara Nalumansi ) plus Laika Music (joined in Season 2 following Gloria’s exit), the show follows the lives of these Ugandan influencers and celebrities who have risen to extraordinary status in the fields fashion, entrepreneurship, lifestyle, and music.
Related: How And Where To Watch ‘Kampala Creme’
Spanning 13 episodes per season, the show quickly became the talk of town because of the drama, the bombshells of exchanges and emotional portrayal by most of the cast members, especially Etania, Mami Deb and Baby Gloria. Kampala Crème was created by Joel Ndugwa and Judith Namazzi and was produced by Kenyan company Tru D Pictures. The show is currently available for streaming on Showmax.
Other local titles that are female led that are Ugandan and are showing on Showmax include; Sanyu and Beloved.
Yellowstone
“Yellowstone” is an American television drama series created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson. The show centers on the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (Kevin Costner), who owns the largest contiguous ranch in the U.S., located in Montana. As the family battles to maintain control of their land, they face conflicts with land developers, political pressures, and Native American reservations. The series explores themes of power, loyalty, family, and the struggles between humans and nature.
Key female characters include Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly), John’s fiercely loyal and ruthless daughter, and Monica Dutton (Kelsey Asbille), the wife of John’s son Kayce. With its intense drama, breathtaking scenery, and complex characters, “Yellowstone” has become a massive hit. The show is now streaming on Showmax, offering viewers an immersive experience into the Dutton family’s tumultuous world.
Damalie
Another show with a string female lead is “Damalie”, starring Doreen Mirembe as Damalie. The gripping Ugandan drama series has recently wrapped up with its second season on Pearl Magic Prime. The local drama centers around the life of the Mbiddes, with Damalie at the center, as shocking betrayals unravel upon the return of her husband from abroad. In terms of themes, the series delves into themes; love, ambition, and betrayal, with Damalie’s strength and determination guiding the narrative. Mirembe, the creator of the show, makes “Damalie” the first Ugandan show created by a woman. The female-led ensemble also includes Ife, Drucilla, and Isabel (Hasifah Nakitende) and this delivers powerful performances, the drama and added to the emotional depth to the story. “Damalie” is currently streaming on Showmax, making a compelling watch for viewers/ streamers.
MOVIES:
It Ends With Us
Strength is knowing when to walk away. It Ends With Us tells the powerful story of Lily Bloom (Blake Lively), a woman who refuses to let her past define her future. After escaping an abusive relationship with a charming but dangerous neurosurgeon, she is determined to rebuild her life and open a flower shop in Boston. But when her first love reappears, she must confront old wounds and find the courage to break the cycle once and for all. Based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, this emotional drama is a testament to resilience, self-worth, and the difficult choices women make to reclaim their power. Co-starring Justin Baldoni (Jane the Virgin) and Brandon Sklenar (1923), the film became one of 2024’s biggest hits, ranking as Google’s sixth most-searched movie of the year.
Wonder Woman 1984
Directed by Patty Jenkins, the 2020 superhero film that continues the story of Diana Prince, portrayed by Gal Gadot is another outstanding watch, as we reflect on powerful women are, and their capability to thrive even amidst adversities. The movies is set in the 1980s. In it, Diana faces formidable adversaries: Maxwell Lord, a charismatic entrepreneur played by Pedro Pascal, and Barbara Minerva, who transforms into the Cheetah, portrayed by Kristen Wiig. The narrative also reintroduces Steve Trevor, Diana’s past love, with Chris Pine reprising his role. “Wonder Woman 1984” became available for streaming on Showmax on 3rd January, 2022 allowing subscribers to enjoy the film at their convenience.
Gebokste Liefde
Fiction aside, in case your cup tea is of a lady eventually being loved right having gone through a tough divorce, then South African romantic comedy film “Gebokste Liefde” makes for a great pick.
Having premiered on Showmax this year on 7th February, the narrative centers on Suma-Lee, a divorced single mother portrayed by SAFTA winner Tarryn Wyngaard, who, after losing her job as a fashion designer and learning of her ex-husband’s impending marriage to a model, seeks solace in boxing. At the gym, she meets Clive, her boxing coach played by Jandré le Roux, leading to unexpected romantic developments. The film also features performances by Roche Killian as Dries, Suma-Lee’s ex-husband, Emma van Heyn as Katinka, Dries’ fiancée, and Erica Wessels as Suma-Lee’s boss. Directed by Annelize Frost in her feature film debut, “Gebokste Liefde” is produced by Advantage Entertainment.
The Hunger Games: Catching Fire
The first Hunger Games movie might have come out 13 years ago, but thanks to its follow up “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”, more fans were drawn in.
The second installment of the franchise as directed by Francis Lawrence is based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling book series and tells a story of Katniss Everdeen (played by Jennifer Lawrence) as she becomes the face of a rebellion after winning the 74th Hunger Games. Forced into the Quarter Quell, Katniss and her fellow victor, Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson), must compete in a new, even more deadly version of the Hunger Games. The movie too features a strong female-led cast, with Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Katniss at the forefront, alongside other key female characters like Effie Trinket (Elizabeth Banks), Johanna Mason (Jena Malone), and President Coin (Julianne Moore). The film explores themes of survival, loyalty, and rebellion, with Katniss navigating both political intrigue and physical challenges. Catching Fire is now streaming on Showmax, offering viewers a chance to experience this intense and action-packed continuation of the dystopian saga.
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