About Esther K Sammy
Esther Kavuo Sammy is an award winning Ugandan filmmaker and communications professional with over a decade of experience using film to drive social change.
Known for her impact driven and emotionally resonant storytelling, she has worked with organisations such as Wizarts Foundation, Baylor Uganda, ARTOLUTION, Restless Development, Windle International Uganda and the contentment foundation.
Her groundbreaking documentary series Hooked (2014–2015) led to the expansion of Uganda’s Alcohol and Drugs Unit at Butabika Hospital, demonstrating her ability to turn powerful narratives into real world impact.
From short films on addiction and mental health to community driven documentaries on peadiatric HIV care, cancer, Woman’s rights, Politics, and education.
Esther’s is the recipient of several accolades, including the Uganda Film Festival Best Documentary Award (2014), Inter-Glam Short Film Award (2022), NATIV 2024 Best Short Film Award, and the CANEX Script to Screen 2024 award.
Awards and Recognitions
Best Documentary 2014
Nominee Best Documentary 2015
Nominee Best Documentary 2016
Best short Film
2022
In 2014, HOOKED – Joe’s Story won Best Documentary of the Year, a project I produced and edited. The following year, BILALI’s Story, another episode in the series, was nominated in the same category, with me taking on the roles of Producer, Cinematographer, and Editor.
In 2016, my storytelling continued to gain recognition when HOOKED – Gino’s Story and LEADER were both nominated for Best Documentary of the Year. These projects strengthened my passion for blending human stories with powerful visual narratives.
After years of documentary work, I turned to short films. In 2022, my film SUMAYA won its first award at the Inter-Glam Conference in Lisbon, Portugal, marking a new chapter in my career. More recently, 2024 has been a milestone year, with my work honoured with the NATIV Best Short Film Award and the CANEX Script-to-Screen Award.