Takeaways

• Hemdee Kiwanuka serves as executive producer on Fireflies at El Mozote, boosting his global profile.
• The film is based on the real-life El Mozote massacre during El Salvador’s civil war.
• Features an international cast and is now streaming on major platforms.

Ugandan-born, US-based actor and producer Hemdee Kiwanuka is continuing to build his international presence with his latest film project, Fireflies at El Mozote.

Kiwanuka serves as an executive producer on the film, playing a key role in bringing the powerful action war drama to life. The project is backed by seasoned producers Elias Axume, Moctesuma Esparza, and Bob Yari, whose combined experience adds weight and scale to the production.

Inspired by true events, Fireflies at El Mozote recounts the tragic massacre in El Mozote village in Morazán Province, El Salvador—widely considered one of the most devastating atrocities against civilians in modern Latin American history.

At its heart, the film tells a gripping coming-of-age story of a ten-year-old survivor navigating loss, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Set during the 1980s civil war in El Salvador, the narrative also explores the role of leftist guerrilla groups who used underground radio networks—alongside an American journalist—to expose government-backed death squads.

The film features an international cast including Paz Vega, Yancey Arias, Mena Suvari, and Jeff Fahey. It is written and directed by Ernesto Melara, with additional performances from Arturo Ayala and Marlon Pérez.

Kiwanuka previously appeared in the 2025 film The Wrecker, further cementing his steady rise in international cinema.

Fireflies at El Mozote is now available on major streaming platforms.