Rwanda is continuing efforts to expand opportunities for local filmmakers to reach international audiences and markets through skills development, access to financing, improved infrastructure and international partnerships.
Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni said the government is continuing to build an environment where Rwandan filmmakers can develop their craft, bring their stories to the screen and access audiences and markets beyond the country.
“Beyond this historic moment, our government’s ambition is to continue building an environment where more Rwandan filmmakers can develop their craft, bring their stories to the screen, and access international audiences and markets,” Umutoni said.
Her remarks followed the selection of Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo’s Ben’Imana as Rwanda’s first official submission for consideration in the International Feature Film category at the Academy Awards.
The film has already gained international recognition. It premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival and later won the Caméra d’Or, which recognises a filmmaker’s first feature, as well as the FIPRESCI Prize awarded by international film critics.
Umutoni has previously said Rwanda’s efforts to develop its film industry are focused on skills development, access to funding, infrastructure and strategic international partnerships.
During the fourth Kigali Cine Junction Festival in July, she said cooperation between government institutions, filmmakers, producers, investors and development partners was important to the continued growth of the industry.
Financing has also been part of efforts to strengthen the sector. Through the Creative Grants Initiative, the Rwanda Film Office, Rwanda Development Board and their partners made €360,000 available to support local film projects.
Four projects were selected under the initiative, with funding provided for production and post-production. The programme was designed to help filmmakers and production companies develop their projects and strengthen Rwanda’s audiovisual industry.
Rwanda has also established the Rwanda Oscars Selection Committee, which assesses eligible local films and selects the country’s entry for the Academy Awards’ International Feature Film category.
For Umutoni, the international progress made by Ben’Imana reflects the potential of Rwandan filmmakers to tell stories rooted in the country’s history and experiences while reaching audiences beyond Rwanda.
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