"Where do you go in your dreams?" filmmaker asks in new movie

In the realm of questionable reality, none is as enigmatic as the dream world. It's a subject that eludes understanding, leaving dreamers only with indelible memories etched in their minds. 

Across the globe, creatives have endeavored to depict the essence of this world through various mediums such as paintings, drawings, narratives, and films. While Western movies like The Sandman, Slumberland and Inception weave captivating tales, Ugandan filmmaker Bayan Nalubwama offers an African perspective on dreams.

In her latest project titled Death Call: Where Do You Go in Your Sleep? directed by Kenneth Wasswa, Nalubwama recounts the tale of a recent graduate ensnared in a nightmarish dream on her graduation day. Trapped in a harrowing dream where she confronts death, she finds salvation only through her mother's fervent prayers at the eleventh hour.

Nalubwama, the story's writer, reveals that the inspiration stemmed from conversations with individuals suffering from insomnia due to their fear of dreaming.

"I spoke to several insomnia patients who were afraid to sleep due to the unsettling dreams they experienced. This resonated deeply with me, prompting me to ponder where we truly go when we sleep," she shares.

Delving into research on the subject, Nalubwama discovered that dreams often convey spiritual messages, overlooked by many, leading to unforeseen troubles. She suggests that these dreams, referenced in religious texts and spiritual teachings as conduits of divine communication, warrant attention.

"For centuries, dreams have been regarded as vessels through which God and even the devil communicate with mankind. In African tradition, they hold significant weight, believed to carry messages from ancestors and other enigmatic sources. Notably, figures like Prophet Joseph in Christian and Muslim scriptures accurately interpreted dreams, indicating the potential for similar abilities among individuals," she explains.

"The film serves as a wake-up call to those plagued by such dreams, urging them not to dismiss these messages lightly. Imagine engaging in a dialogue with a departed loved one regarding crucial aspects of your life that remained unresolved?" she remarks.

Nalubwama advises seeking guidance from trusted sources such as religious leaders to decipher the true meanings of dreams, which could serve as either warnings against impending dangers or guidance through perilous situations.

Produced by Isaac Nende and Lillian Komuhangwe, the nine-minute short film boasts a talented cast, including Rania Nassuna, Faith Nassuna, Katrina Namuddu, and Hamza Ssenoga.