Can music change one country’s destiny? Bobi Wine: The People’s President follows a Ugandan musician who chased his dream and suffered a terrible price. Starting in the country’s musical scene, Wine would quickly establish himself as a major figure; he also realized Uganda’s struggles at the hands of Yoweri Museveni’s regime had to end. It’s a decision that would expose Wine and his family to more danger than they could have imagined. The documentary offers a deep inspection of what it means to fight for justice, even when the odds are decidedly not in your favor.
Here’s the film’s official synopsis:
Bobi Wine: The People’s President follows Bobi Wine, who was born in the slums of Kampala and became one of Uganda’s most popular musical talents the country has ever seen. In the midst of the violence, corruption, and injustice of the ruthless regime led by Yoweri Museveni, Bobi decides to become the Ugandan opposition leader in the much-disputed 2021 presidential election.
Using his music to denounce the dictatorial regime and support his life’s mission to defend the oppressed and the voiceless people of Uganda, Bobi risks his life and the lives of his wife, Barbie, and their children to take on the country’s corrupt police and military, who are not afraid to use violence and torture in a vain attempt to intimidate and silence Bobi and his supporters.”
One man fights a corrupt system in Bobi Wine: The People’s President. From directors Moses Bwayo and Christopher Sharp and produced by Sharp alongside two-time Academy Award winner John Battsek’s Ventureland company, the documentary opens in New York and Los Angeles on July 28. It will debut on National Geographic Channel and Disney+ later this year. Watch the trailer below.