Futures Unwritten: Cultures in Scifi
Conversations with Dilman Dila, a writer, filmmaker, and founder of Dilstories film studios, explore the theme of 'African Knowledge Systems' in practice. These discussions seek to delve into the vital role these knowledge systems play in Dilman’s work. What could Africa have been without the disruption of colonialism? What alternative approaches can we adopt by becoming learners of African culture and lifestyles? What defines science and technology, and how do we begin to decolonize our minds ? Much of our knowledge stems from external cultural perspectives rather than our own. Additionally, we examine aesthetic questions, such as why certain things are deemed beautiful or ugly from various cultural viewpoints.
Image credit: Reagan Chankara, Okullu Johnson, and Charlie Kobong of Dilstories Film studio.
...to Dilstories film studio...
If you are coming from town, go to Seeta, then take Namugongo road, pass signpost of St Julian School, pass Starbex and you will see a boda stage where high power lines cross the road, and there is a signpost for Plots for sale. (Bodaboda here will know where the studio is) (The road opposite is called Namutwe Road.)
Take that turn, pass a huge electric pole in the middle of the road, then as you climb the hill, turn at the first huge electric pole you see. We are at end of road you.
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If coming from Namugongo Kyaliwajala (you might want to use this to avoid Seeta jam) then go past Sonde, pass Shell Misindye, after Bukerere corner turn toward Seeta, pass Africa Oil Petrol station, and then you will see the sign post of Namutwe Road, with high power lines crossing the road highway (before Starbex). (Remember it is the road opposite Namutwe Road)
"One question from the session stood out to me the most: Why is African mysticism not celebrated as it should be? This question sparked deep reflection on how colonial
histories have marginalized indigenous spiritualities and philosophies. It reinforced the idea that it is up to us— storytellers, artists, and thinkers—to reclaim and share these narratives. By doing so, we can reconnect our communities to their heritage and address the gaps in knowledge that contribute to cultural disconnection.
Khal Giud", Ogwado Joakim
A bit of Dilman's Reading list and links