Call Me Kuchu

Call Me Kuchu, released in 2012, is a compelling and poignant documentary that presents a deeply moving, enriching, and disturbing perspective on the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community in Uganda. Directed by Malika Zouhali-Worrall and Katherine Fairfax Wright, the documentary admirably does not descend into melodrama but depicts narratives as they are, focusing primarily on the life of openly gay activist David Kato and his efforts to combat Uganda's virulent homophobia.

In a society where homosexuality is considered taboo, Call Me Kuchu offers a glimpse into the life of David Kato, Uganda's first openly gay man. The heart of the film lies within his life, extending itself to other rights activists, their lives, battles, and harsh realities faced in an intensely homophobic society. Kato's fight for his community's rights and freedoms while safeguarding his own identity is narrated with raw honesty, drawing a realistic image of the circumstances and forcing viewers to question the socio-political structures controlling human lives.

David Bahati, a politician in Uganda, is seen as an antagonistic force throughout the film. He is notorious for introducing the Anti-Homosexuality Bill, which calls for harsh sentencing against homosexuality, including capital punishment in some instances. In the documentary, Bahati is portrayed as a fervent man who views himself as a moralist, trying to guard Ugandan society against an "immoral disease". His views and rallies significantly contribute to the narrative of the documentary, highlighting the collision between contrasting societies and beliefs within the same geographical boundaries.

Another critical figure in this narrative is Gilles Muhame, the editor and proprietor of the Ugandan tabloid, Rolling Stone (not related to the U.S. magazine), known for its vehemently anti-gay attitude. The outlet infamously published the names, photographs, addresses, and other identifying details of suspected gay individuals, urging the public to 'hang them'. The inclusion of Gilles within the movie gives viewers a chilling depiction of hate speech's virality and how it can negatively impact the lives of minorities.

Through the film, audiences witness firsthand the dangerous terrain navigated by the protagonists, particularly how their lives are enveloped with fear and uncertainty. The film brilliantly mimics these emotions through its sobering cinematography, capturing the tense and troubled atmosphere. Despite all of this, the themes of courage and resilience persistently shine through, creating a rich, emotional tapestry that leaves a lasting impact.

Call Me Kuchu isn't just about the denouncement of human rights in Uganda but about the bold and unwavering spirit of advocacy. The humor, joy, and camaraderie shown between the activists narrated through candid conservations and scenes infer an aura of hope amongst the community. Moreover, it emphasizes their collective attempts to achieve sheer existence and recognition, transcending beyond societal norms.

The documentary extends its perspective by juxtaposing the varying international views on homosexuality. It shows how Western missionaries, politicians, and activists play a significant role in shaping the homophobic discourse in Uganda, but also, on contrast, how the global human rights community rallies against such prejudice, highlighting the interconnectedness of global societies and their impact on each other.

Call Me Kuchu is by no means a light or an easy watch. It confronts its audience with stark realities, a lot of which are violent, heart-wrenching and deeply unsettling. However, its importance resides within its raw and honest depiction of an overlooked segment of society. It showcases the struggles of being a 'Kuchu' (a term used in Uganda for queer individuals) where their very existence is deemed a crime. Arguably, the film serves as a wake-up call, inciting audiences to challenge and reconsider the systems of discrimination and prejudice.

To sum up, Call Me Kuchu is a powerful, touching, and thought-provoking exploration of a pressing global issue - the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The documentary offers a stark glimpse behind the headlines into the day-to-day lives of a group of individuals to whom love, identity, and fundamental human rights come at a horrifying cost. Their stories are not just specific to Uganda but resonate globally, making the film a must-watch for anyone interested in human rights, social justice or LGBTQ+ advocacy. The film is a testament to human resilience in the face of extremist hatred and, ultimately, a celebration of the ability to live fearlessly and openly in one's truth.