Pull Focus: Katherine Fairfax Wright & Malika Zouhali-Worrall

Kelsey Marsh, Angeli Gabriel, Bryan Bello

Dynamic Writer/Director duo Katherine Fairfax Wright [1] and Malika Zouhali-Worrall [1] are Chaz & Roger Ebert Directing Fellows, and alumnae of the Film Independent Documentary Lab and the Garrett Scott Documentary Development Grant at Full Frame Documentary Film Festival. In 2012, Filmmaker Magazine named Katherine and Malika two of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Their collaborative film “Call Me Kuchu” intimately steps into the lives of gay Ugandans and the struggles they face on a daily basis trying to overturn the court’s ruling of the anti-homosexuality bill. 

Fairfax Wright and Zouhali-Worrall sat down with the Center’s graduate fellows to discuss the film’s influence on LGBT issues in Uganda, character discrimination, and outreach campaign both in Uganda and abroad. The women also elaborated on the film’s story structure and master plan providing sound words of advice for beginning filmmakers. Watch their interview unfold and check out the film’s website [2] for more information. 

Producer/Director/Writer team Katherine Fairfax Wright & Malika Zouhali-Worrall expalin what the film is about in their own words:

The pair discuss how they became attracted to this issue:

Fairfax Wright and Zouhali-Worrallrespond to the question - with so many activists in the community, how did you determine who to follow; which story will be told:

The duo talk about how they were introduced to their characters and the bonds they shared with them:

The pair expand on what is was like living with Naome:

Unfortunately, not every character filmed played a central role in the film. The pair outline how they let go of certain characters to fit the film's narrative structure:

Fairfax Wright & Zouhali-Worrall expound on the goals of the film:

The duo chat about the role of the media in stigmatizing the LGBT community:

Fairfax Wright and Zouhali-Worrall explain the true nature of the Rolling Stone newspaper:

Zouhali-Worrall tells her thoughts about meeting fellow journalist Giles:

Fairfax Wright talks about her most challenging moment during filming:

Katherine expands on the importance of religion to the LGBT community:

Zouhali-Worrall and Fairfax Wright clarify concerns about their personal safety during filming:

The pair talk about the film's Ugandan screening:

Fairfax Wright & Zouhali-Worrall expand on the film's future screenings and it's potential use as a media tool in the LGBT community:

Download:

interview_transcription_-_call_me_kuchu.pdf [3]