The Woman Who Poked the Leopard
“You can handcuff the body but not the spirit”
Synopsis
Despite fearing for her life, Ugandan medical anthropologist, poet, and queer rights activist Stella Nyanzi confronts the authoritarian rule of President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda through provocative poetry, “radical rudeness,” and acts of defiant protest. After being arrested and imprisoned for criticizing the government, she refuses to be silenced and continues her fight for political change and LGBTQ+ rights. Following Nyanzi through her activism, imprisonment, and political ambitions, the film also reveals the personal cost of her outspoken struggle, exploring how her fierce public battles and powerful personality affect the lives of her children and family while offering a broader portrait of contemporary Uganda.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
THE WOMAN WHO POKED THE LEOPARD | Film Talk | DOK.fest 2026
Type: Featurette • Published 2026-05-11
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →Release History & Theatrical Window
DOK Leipzig
Festival / Special Debut
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Patience Nitumwesiga
- Original Title
- The Woman Who Poked the Leopard
- Country of Origin
- Uganda, South Africa, Germany, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 47m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Patience Nitumwesiga
Kristen van Schie
Rosie Motene, Patience Nitumwesiga, Phil Wilmot
Department Leadership Roster
Patience Nitumwesiga
Director
Kristen van Schie
Editor
Rosie Motene
Producer
Patience Nitumwesiga
Producer
Phil Wilmot
Producer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Woman Who Poked the Leopard.
More Like The Woman Who Poked the Leopard
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Woman Who Poked the Leopard
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Woman Who Poked the Leopard about?
Despite fearing for her life, Ugandan medical anthropologist, poet, and queer rights activist Stella Nyanzi confronts the authoritarian rule of President Yoweri Museveni in Uganda through provocative poetry, “radical rudeness,” and acts of defiant protest. After being arrested and imprisoned for criticizing the government, she refuses to be silenced and continues her fight for political change and LGBTQ+ rights. Following Nyanzi through her activism, imprisonment, and political ambitions, the film also reveals the personal cost of her outspoken struggle, exploring how her fierce public battles and powerful personality affect the lives of her children and family while offering a broader portrait of contemporary Uganda.
Who directed The Woman Who Poked the Leopard?
The Woman Who Poked the Leopard was directed by Patience Nitumwesiga.
Who stars in The Woman Who Poked the Leopard?
The principal cast of The Woman Who Poked the Leopard includes Stella Nyanzi, Baraka Bah, Wasswa Bah, Kato Bah.
When was The Woman Who Poked the Leopard released and how long is it?
The Woman Who Poked the Leopard was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 47m.