Audience during the screening of “The Power of Insurance” Short Documentary Film in Juba, 23rd/10/2026. Photo Credit: Amos Sunday

By: Emmanuel Kayanga | Juba | 24th – 10 – 2026

A group of filmmakers in Juba are using their talents to raise awareness about the importance of insurance, months after a devastating fire broke out at Custom Market last year.

The incident, which reduced hundreds of shops to ashes, prompted the filmmakers to take the initiative to sensitize traders on why they should insure their businesses and protect themselves from unpredictable losses.

The message came to light during the screening of a short documentary film titled “The Power of Insurance” in Juba, an event that brought together victims of the fire incident, filmmakers, and members of the public to watch the film and reflect on its lessons.

Among the victims is Lelisha Magaya, whose boutique dealing in African attires and children’s clothing was completely burnt. She says she did not get any support after the fire incident, traumatized and almost gave up on business, though she has now started small again.

“If my shop was insured, I would have been covered by the insurance,” Lelisha said, speaking during the screening while promising to get her business secured through Insurance this time.

Sharing the inspiration behind the film, Juba Film Festival Assistant Director Phar Palet Khor said the documentary was informed by the December fire incident at Custom Market and the recurring fire outbreaks in markets across Juba.

“This film is to raise public awareness on the importance of insurance,” Phar said. He added that the film was produced on a zero budget, highlighting the financial challenges facing the film industry, and that some victims were too traumatised to talk about their lost properties.

On his part, the Managing Director of Nile International Insurance Company, Chol Garang, said the film comes at a time when Juba continues to witness market fires, stressing the need for traders to protect their livelihoods.

“Because of a lot of fire outbreak incidents in markets in Juba City, the film is to raise public awareness on the importance of insurance in terms of protecting their life and properties,” Chol said.

Nile International Insurance Company, a South Sudanese-Owned Insurance offers 34 insurance products, including fire, burglary, vehicle, life and medical insurance services. The Managing Director says the need for public awareness on Insurance service is still in great demand and urged the public not to wait till a disaster strikes before they could get their business covered by Insurance.

The fire incident at Custom Market last year left many traders struggling to revive their businesses despite several promises of help from government and organizations.

The film serves as a powerful reminder that while fire can destroy in minutes, insurance offers a chance to rebuild, protect families, and secure businesses against future uncertainties.