Echoes of Mbirizi: "Memories of Love Returned" and the Weight of Remembrance 
by: Mardline Prevot

Memories of Love Returned - Movie Poster 

Sunday, March 23rd, 2025, the final day of spring break, found me seated in the AFI Silver Theatre, immersed in Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine's profoundly moving documentary, "Memories of Love Returned." This film is more than just a chronicle; it's a 22-year odyssey, a tender exploration of memory, time, and the enduring power of photography, all through the lens of Ugandan photographer Kibaate Aloysius Ssalongo's life and work.

Mwine's journey began with a broken-down car in Mbirizi, Uganda, leading him to Ssalongo's studio and a treasure trove of photographs documenting the lives of his community. The film beautifully captures the impact of rediscovering these lost images, not just on the community but also on Mwine himself. It's a meditation on how photography bridges the past and present, honoring the vital importance of preserving collective histories.

Spoiler Alert: One particularly poignant aspect of the film, and a stark reminder of cultural differences, was the depiction of Kibaate's photographs of same-sex couples and close friendships. In the context of Uganda's current harsh anti-LGBTQ legislation, these images become powerful testaments to a more accepting past. Through interviews with Ugandan LGBTQ activists like Pepe Julian Onziema, the film highlights how these images serve as a crucial record of a time when intimate, non-sexual touch between friends was commonplace. The activists' stories of lost and destroyed photographs, a result of safety concerns, added a heartbreaking layer to the film's narrative.

The sheer scale of Kibaate's family was another striking element. I lost count after attempting to guess 50, only to learn he had 47 children (12 of whom had passed away). The emotional weight of Mwine reuniting family members with cherished photo heirlooms was palpable, resonating deeply with many in the theater.

Following the screening, the Q&A session became a moment of unexpected tension. As someone who values respectful engagement, I was taken aback by a Christian Ghanaian woman's homophobic remarks regarding the same-sex couples depicted in the film. As a Haitian non-binary individual, I had anticipated a different response, perhaps from the Caribbean diaspora, but I was mistaken. This encounter ignited a complex mix of emotions within me, a sense of deep disappointment and a renewed determination to understand the intricacies of international politics within the African and Caribbean diasporas, now a central focus of my senior project.

This experience has further fueled my exploration of these complex cultural and political landscapes, and I find myself increasingly drawn to expressing my thoughts and reflections through spoken word. "Memories of Love Returned" is a film that lingers, prompting reflection on the power of images, the fragility of memory, and the importance of honoring diverse histories. It's a film that reminds us that even in the face of adversity, the act of remembering can be an act of resistance.