Resurgence of Lubugo

We are campaigning for completion funds of our documentary and to spread the word of the important work that IGC is doing for Uganda and the global fashion industry.

Our documentary highlights the work of Blak Katende Godfery, an influential Ugandan fashion designer reclaiming Lubugo (barkcloth) through his fashion house IGC. Blak challenges the colonial religious implanted fear base narratives that surround it to the present day. Through his innovative creations, not only is he reviving cultural pride, but also champions for sustainable future in fashion, despite greenwashing, as well as the known copies amounts of wasted clothing from developed nations being dumped on African soil and polluting the already depleted environment.

This is a story about environmental, social and cultural sustainability and community empowerment.

Together we can help get this story out to a global audience and to support the impact based work IGC is doing, both for local communities and internationally.

This is an intimate story of a young man and his community taking the initiative and transforming their present day by reclaiming their original identity. It illuminates the importance of going towards what an oppressed society has clearly been taught to fear but the oppressors and the impact that a sincere and dedicated grassroots initiative can have in championing a brighter future.

Blak's brave and humbling journey underscores the importance of challenging the prevailing narratives that have distanced humanity from nature. It is a story that urges us all to question certain truths that distort our daily perceptions. This film stands as a testament to the transformative power of art and serves as a call for a deeper connection with our inner nature, heritage, and the environment.

It is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of Blak and the other artists involved.

Background:

Lubugo (also known as Barkcloth), is a UNESCO-recognized fabric deeply rooted in East African culture, notably within the Buganda Kingdom and indigenous knowledge systems. It is derived from the Mutuba tree and is an ancient craft of the Baganda people who live in southern Uganda.

Barkcloth almost became extinct when the British created the Uganda Protectorate in the late 19th as they enforced the use of cotton over local fabrics and felled more than 115,000 Mutuba trees to secure the border with German East Africa.

Colonial prohibitions led to its decline, perpetuating stigma, associating it with witchcraft and subsequently leading to its demise.

Today, these challenges persist. Imported fast fashion has flooded Uganda, creating environmental damage and overshadowing sustainable alternatives like barkcloth. Cultural fears and misunderstandings around its use further complicate its acceptance, both locally and internationally.

Yet, barkcloth holds solutions for a conscious future. It is biodegradable, sustainably harvested, and rich with ancestral knowledge, making it a beacon for sustainable fashion.

Blak Katende’s work seeks to reclaim this fabric, not only as a medium of design but also as a tool for empowerment, education, and ecological restoration.

Director’s Statement:

"My name is Hannah Allchurch, born and raised in London. I met Blak in 2023 during a visit to Uganda. We’ve been close friends since, collaborating on various projects. Our friendship has flourished, and after spending significant time with him, I’ve witnessed firsthand the uphill battle he faces to reclaim barkcloth, and have been inspired by the tenacity he has shown throughout.

One moment that stayed with me was when he said, "When I have barkcloth around, I knew from day one it was my purpose to make noise and create campaigns. I know the work I am doing is bigger than me. When I truly listen, I know I can never be lost—barkcloth keeps me focused."

Blak’s determination, courage, and resilience have left a lasting impact on me. I believe his passion will inspire others to create the change the world needs. Encouraged by his vision and hopefulness for a better future, I decided to use my filmmaking skills to bring his story to a wider audience and document his journey."

"For me, the happiest part is knowing that barkcloth encourages people to plant trees, and it decomposes naturally. The world is searching for materials like this. Now it’s time for Ugandans to realize the power of barkcloth and why it must be used." — Blak

Meet the team:

Blak and I worked closely with a small team of amazing Ugandan creatives who are all involved in Kampala’s art scene, whether it is through dance, film, fashion or music.

Hannah Allchurch- Director/Producer

Emerging filmmaker and storyteller, Hannah is motivated by community, education and nature where her work aims to empower those who are creating sustainable social change and fostering deeper connections with nature to fight for a better future.

Katende Godfery (Blak)- Co-Producer/Creative Advisor

An advocate for sustainable fashion and cultural heritage, Blak is not only a fashion designer, dancer but a teacher, facilitator, creative director, activist, curator and much more.

Kibuuka Mukisa- Director of Photography

Driven by a passion for storytelling and social impact, Ugandan photographer Kibuuka Mukisa uses photography to amplify voices and challenge African stereotypes. Inspired by Kampala's dynamic youth and hip-hop culture, Mukisa's work reveals the intricate beauty and resilience of his community, reframing the African narrative.

Josh Albiet- Editor/ Colourist

Joshua Black Alibet is a Ugandan filmmaker, editor, and colorist with a distinctive approach rooted in activism and storytelling. His work often explores anti-colonial, anti-capitalist, and environmental themes. One of his key projects includes directing "When Vision Falls From Sky" in collaboration with the Sankara Future Dub Resurgence. His artistic vision focuses on reclaiming narratives and supporting social justice through multimedia projects, including film and music.

Jeff Kenneth- Line Producer/Sound/lighting

Masaka Masaka- Music Producer

Sir Uncle Walter- Choreographer

Sir Uncle Walter, Joanna Wombe, Tumwebaze Daphine- Dancers

Project Aims:

This documentary aims to reclaim and celebrate barkcloth as a vital symbol of cultural heritage, sustainability, and creativity, amplifying its importance both within Uganda and globally. By sharing Blak Katende’s journey, the film seeks to:

1. Raise Awareness

2. Inspire Action

3. Support Sustainable Practices

4. Amplify Voices

Project Stage:

So far, we have raised £7,000, which means we are almost at the halfway point for the project.

With your support, we are confident we can meet our January deadline.

We’ve prioritized high production quality by using professional cameras, lighting, and collaborating with some of Uganda’s most talented filmmakers and artists. These efforts ensure the film becomes an authentic, timeless piece that amplifies Ugandan voices globally.

Creative Vision:

This documentary explores Blak’s personal journey and insights as a fashion designer working with barkcloth. As a self-taught designer facing cultural fears around the fabric—held by both his community and originally himself—the film showcases Blak’s becoming and evolution into a pioneering fashion designer. It presents perspectives on barkcloth across rural and urban contexts, blending ancestral and contemporary viewpoints.

Key interviews include Blak’s mother, his sewing teacher, Jumba Lubowa Aligaweesa (High Priest of the Tondism faith), and Babaluku, a Ugandan-Canadian hip-hop artist and community activist who serves as Blak’s mentor.

Inspired by Blak’s roots in hip-hop and the element of movement being a source of his creative inspiration, the film features a choreographed dance piece that will be interwoven throughout the narrative.

We are working with a Ugandan music producer to write the score for the documentary- adding to the unique collaborative energy of the project.

"These words you’ve written will bring a new beginning. If we are to change the world, we need creatives. When I look at you, I see a light calling us back to our culture and traditions." — High Priest Jumba

Funding Breakdown:

£100 sponsors one workshop for 30 students.

£50 sponsors one application to a film festival helping to spread the

By donating, you help amplify Blak’s story globally, support the planting of trees for future generations, and contribute to the revival of sustainable fashion.

This crowdfunder is needed to get our documentary through post production and out into the world.

This is a self funded project with no commercial backing!!

All donors will receive a personalized thank-you email. Donors contributing up to £100 will receive an invitation to the film's premiere. Donations over £200 will earn a special credit in the film, along with our immense gratitude.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us for any queries.

To check out more of IGC's work please see link attached- https://www.igcfashion.africa

Thank you SO much from the whole film team!!