Ugandan filmmaker Jerry Sesanga is not afraid to say what many in film circles might hesitate to admit and his latest remarks have sparked conversation for exactly that reason.
Speaking in a chat with Sqoop, the Loving Beyond executive producer made a bold distinction that instantly turned heads.
“I don’t like Tyler Perry’s movies but I like his story,” he said.
It is the kind of statement that could easily be mistaken for shade, especially when directed at a global powerhouse like Tyler Perry. But Sesanga was quick to clarify that his issue is not with the man’s journey.
In fact, he openly admires Perry’s rise from hardship to building one of the biggest film studios in the United States. For Sesanga, that story is nothing short of inspiring. What he questions, however, is the creative approach behind the films themselves.
And that is where his own vision begins to take shape.
Rather than lean into Perry’s fast-paced, high-output style, Sesanga says he is drawn to a different school of storytelling, one rooted in depth, patience and world-building. His inspirations sit far from Atlanta and much closer to storytellers like J. R. R. Tolkien and James Cameron.
For him, it is about doing things properly.
“Whichever story he decides to do, he does for real,” Sesanga said, referencing Cameron’s meticulous approach to filmmaking.
It is a philosophy that reflects directly in his ambition. Sesanga is not chasing volume or quick wins. He is chasing legacy.
“I want to be this kind of director that if someone looks at the project and sees my name, they know they are in for something really good,” he said.
Despite the confidence, Sesanga remains grounded in the foundation laid by Ugandan film legends. He paid tribute to icons like Charles James Ssenkubuge, Aloysius Matovu Joy and Benon Kibuuka, crediting them for shaping local drama and setting a standard he still looks up to.
He even expressed a desire to work with Ssenkubuge, noting his unmatched ability to embody “rich man” roles on screen.
Behind the scenes, Sesanga also acknowledges the support system helping him grow. He revealed that filmmakers like Matthew Nabwiso and Nathan Magola have offered him valuable guidance, with Magola in particular helping him avoid early career missteps.
He also credited Steve Ayeny of Crossroads for influencing how he approaches production.
So while his Tyler Perry comment may have sparked debate, Sesanga is not positioning himself in opposition to anyone. If anything, he is advocating for a stronger, more collaborative industry.
“People think we are competing, but I believe there should be some healthy competition,” he said.
For Sesanga, the message is clear. Respect the journey, question the craft and build your own lane.
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