A Good Catholic Girl

A Good Catholic Girl is a 2010 Ugandan short film about a Muslim girl's attraction to someone from a different religious affiliation. It was written, produced and directed by Matt Bish. Matthew Nabwiso won the Best Supporting actor award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for playing "Ahmed" in the film. The film was included in Africa First: Volume Two, an anthology of short films by emerging African filmmakers, and gained recognition for its bold storytelling.

Plot

Ahmed is interested in a strict Muslim customer's daughter yet she loves someone else, a lowly carpenter who isn't Muslim, which is forbidden in their religion. Ahmed tries to rape her, and when she resists, he kills her. But, her lover avenges her.

Cast

The film was written, produced, and directed by Matt Bish, who took on multiple roles in the production process. The cast includes:

Maureen Kulany as Amina
Joel Okuyo Atiku as the carpenter and love interest
Matthew Nabwiso as Ahmed, the villainous butcher
Brenda Ibarah as Madina
Tibba Murungi as Amina's Friend
Sharon Amali as Amina's Friend
Cathy Masajjage as Mother
Herbert Kibirige as Father

Matthew Nabwiso, who plays the antagonist Ahmed, is a versatile performer known for his work in Ugandan entertainment as both an actor and musician. He serves as the lead vocalist for the World Music band Soul Beat Africa and has worked as an auditions judge for Tusker Project Fame, one of East Africa's popular musical shows.

Reception

The controversial film questions some Islamic ideologies and portrays religious tensions. It was included in Africa First: Volume Two, an anthology of five short films from new African filmmakers. Nabwiso scooped the Best Supporting Actor - Drama Award at the inaugural Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards in Lagos, Nigeria in March 2013 beating four challengers: three Nigerians Osita Iheme, Fabian Adeoye Lojede and Kalu Ikeagwu plus South African Thomas Gumede. He was the only Ugandan nominee in the 26 category competition.