A Ugandan film that depicts the final days of Archbishop Janani Luwum has garnered significant acclaim at the 2025 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), taking home two prestigious awards and shedding light night on a crucial chapter in African Christian history.
Titled “Janani: The Last Stand” and directed by Matt Bish, the film received both Best Feature Film and Best Actor (East Africa) accolades at the festival, which was held from June 25-29, 2025, in Stone Town, Zanzibar.
Peter Odeke was celebrated for his powerful portrayal of the martyred Anglican Archbishop. This 90-minute biographical drama delves into Archbishop Luwum’s final moments. A vocal critic of President Idi Amin’s dictatorship, Luwum’s story unfolds as he reflects on his efforts to assist victims of the regime’s brutality while awaiting his fate in Amin’s office. Born in 1922 in Mucwini, northern Uganda, Luwum embraced Christianity in 1948, influenced by the East African Revival movement.
He was ordained a deacon in 1953 and later became Bishop of Northern Uganda in 1969, ascending to the position of Archbishop of the Metropolitan Province of Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Boga-Zaire in 1974.
As Archbishop, Luwum emerged as a courageous voice against the excesses of Amin’s regime, which took power in 1971. He frequently visited the notorious State Research Bureau to advocate for the release of political prisoners and delivered sermons denouncing government atrocities, positioning himself as a target of the regime. On February 16, 1977, Luwum was arrested along with two cabinet ministers, Erinayo Wilson Oryema and Charles Oboth Ofumbi, after sending a letter of protest to Amin concerning arbitrary killings and disappearances.
While the official narrative claimed they perished in a car accident, many believe they were murdered on Amin’s orders. An examination of Luwum’s body revealed it was riddled with bullets. Luwum’s legacy has garnered international recognition. His statue stands among the ten Modern Martyrs of the 20th century at Westminster Abbey in London, unveiled in 1998, honouring Christians who sacrificed their lives for their beliefs and representing all who have faced oppression for their faith.
Peter Odeke, who earned the Best Actor (East Africa) award for his portrayal of Luwum, is a veteran Ugandan actor with a rich portfolio that includes appearances in notable projects such as “Queen of Katwe,” “Sometimes in April,” and “Shake Hands with the Devil.” Currently involved in the Protocol Unit of Uganda’s Parliament, Odeke expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to portray such an iconic figure.
The film also features performances by Melanie Agutu as Mary Luwum and Alele Ayub as Idi Amin. Director Matt Bish, who founded Bish Films in 2005, has produced over ten feature films and has previously won accolades for projects like “Battle of the Souls” and “State Research Bureau.”
The Zanzibar International Film Festival, celebrated as the Festival of the Dhow Countries, is one of East Africa’s largest cultural events. Each year, ZIFF showcases over 100 films from Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Latin America, the United States, and Asia, with a particular focus on African films and filmmakers. The 2025 festival, themed “Where Hope Takes Root,” screened more than 150 films and attracted filmmakers from across Africa.
