How Much Money Did Who Killed Captain Alex Make

Quick, name 5 movies made in Africa. Not shot in Africa, not based in Africa, not about Africa, made in Africa. It's a tough answer. It's not that the films don't exist, though granted, there are significantly fewer. It's that accessibility to view them is next to impossible in some situations.

In Uganda, inspired by viewing Hollywood movies, Isaac Godfrey Geoffrey Nabwana (AKA Nabwana IGG) was inspired to make an action movie with his tiny production company made up of his friends and family. With a budget of $85 and the most meager conditions,Who Killed Captain Alex? managed to find a worldwide audience and even managed to secure a Blu-Ray release. Here are 10 reasons to give it a watch.

10 It Features One Of The Best Covers Of "Kiss From A Rose"

There's nothing like watching a movie with exceptionally good music cues. In Who Killed Captain Alex?, in the midst of a tense infiltration of a base, a certain familiar chorus begins to play. But there's something different about it. It's played with a pan flute. For a movie that doesn't take itself too seriously, hearing Seal's "Kiss From A Rose" play almost as if it's serenading the enemy commandos is hilariously great timing.

It's also startling to hear a pan flute in a movie made for, by, and in Africa. It doesn't exactly carry the traditional tunes of the continent, but hey, I guess Ugandans loved the soundtrack toBatman Forever.

9 It's The Gateway Movie To Wakaliwood Movies

The studio that produced Who Killed Captain Alex? is known as "Wakaliwood," based in the slums of Kampala. Wakaliwood has taken full advantage of its spotlight and churned out a series of new movies, among them Bad Black, Once A Soja, and upcoming exciting names, such as The Ugandan Expendables, Eaten Alive In Uganda, Tebaatusasula: Ebola, and Plan 9 From Uganda.

Thus far, they are all action-comedies in the same style as Who Killed Captain Alex? and will likely stay in that signature style.

8 It's Dedicated To The Filmmaker's Grandmother

Nabwana IGG's movie ends with a sweet note: a dedication to his grandmother, who raised him, Rachael Kizito. The song that proceeds to play when the dedication pops up is kind of a banger, too. A homemade music video plays as the song to his grandmother is sung, showing everyone from his native village dancing, singing, and having fun.

He thanks his grandmother for her love, her lessons, and her continual support and teaching. It's so sweet and sincere it makes anyone listening want to call their grandma on the spot.

7 It's A Piece Of Ugandan History

Who Killed Captain Alex? is toted as Uganda's first action film. While it's unknown if that's the case, as many movies could theoretically exist or have been lost, it certainly is the first well-known and documented one. The movie was also inspired by the filmmakers' experiences in the Ugandan Bush War in the 1980s, so it can be seen as somewhat reflective (and perhaps mocking) of the conflict and the chaos it sowed for the nation.

As the movie was made in 2010, it serves as a timestamp for what conditions were for filmmaking in Uganda at the time, and how Western influences affected the culture.

6 The DVD Package Is A Treat

Upon ordering the DVDs or merchandize from Wakaliwood, the buyer will be welcomed with open arms and a series of hilarious and bizarre emails. If there is a delay in the shipping, the site will reach out and notify the user (jokingly) that "the crew got ebola" and there will be a delay, but rest assured, the merchandise will arrive.

Upon arrival, the DVD case comes in various forms; at times in a paper card, sometimes in a plastic bag, and usually, it comes with signed photos, a few stickers, and fridge magnets. All DVDs are signed, and notes thanking the buyer are inside as well. Not even the Criterion Collection goes that far.

5 The Village It Was Made In Likes Making Movies

At the opening of the movie, a title card reads the film "was made from his home in the village of Wakaliga, and it quickly became a sensation throughout the slums of Uganda." And throughout the movie, it is evident that the crew basically was working with virtually everyone they knew.

Their friends and family all lend a hand and clearly, from the number of movies slated to come out, will continue to do so. The benefit of a bit of time in the spotlight for everyone could mean that the village will forever have a legacy as being the original hub for movie making, something to be very proud of.

4 The Action Is Insane

Ever see a helicopter smash a building to smithereens? No? Well, time to watch Who Killed Captain Alex?in that case. This movie has it all: kung-fu, dolphin dives, guns made of wood, CGI helicopters blasting people left and right, vine-swinging, and alot of slaps to the face.

It also comes at the most unexpected moments. No matter how the film is going, a gunfight or fistfight could erupt at any moment, and the combination of comedy brings it to Stuber levels of fun. The film's slogan just cannot be clear enough: "Expect the unexpectable!"

3 The "Voice Joker" Is Hilarious (And So Is The Movie)

The original version of the film was lost due to a technology problem, but thankfully, the version with the "voice joker" survived. The VJ acts as a sort of improvisational comedian who cracks jokes at the film's expense throughout its runtime. It's similar to the antics of Mystery Science Theater 3000.

Thankfully, whoever the crew found to do the job is genuinely hilarious. The best gag might be during a torture scene when the VJ claims the victim of torture is being tortured because she was caught "watching Nigerian movies." He does ridiculous impressions, laughs a memorable and hearty chuckle, hypes up the action, and even explains the confusing plot to the audience as best as he can.

2 It Is Filmmaking At Its Heart And Soul

Who Killed Captain Alex? is the epitome of the best elements of filmmaking. Getting a group of people together to have fun and make art, and share that art with the world so that others might enjoy themselves as the crew did. The film consistently has a homemade look and feel to it, and is a showcase that even with the most humble working conditions, movies can be made.

It's inspirational for anyone interesting in the field, and a counter to the argument that it can't be done. Just do it. Not everyone can be a good filmmaker, but a good filmmaker can come from anywhere. And with Wakaliwood's work ethic and attitude, and their final products, they aren't just good, they're wonderful.

1 It Helped Spawn The Ugandan Knuckles Meme

As the cherry on top of what is already a heartwarming and fun movie, Who Killed Captain Alex? helped form a critical piece of the "Ugandan Knuckles" meme: the signature line of "Do you know the way?" At one point in the movie, the VJ is narrating a gunfight, and shouts "He knows the way...of using a gun!"

His memorable voice and line delivery would serve as the go-to-phrase associated with the meme that dominated the first month of 2018. Hopefully, the United States' increasing interest in Uganda's culture can continue to grow...with a little more genuine factual basis.

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About The Author

Rafael Sarmiento (90 Articles Published)

I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and am Spanish/Venezuelan-American. I graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in History, and in Film. I write for both ScreenRant and CBR, along with other projects on Medium, so feel free to stalk me. I love to read discussion, even when it's totally awful, so leave comments all over my articles, folks.