How Rwanda is looking to leverage its developing film industry through storytelling

Rwanda's film industry is steadily growing, with efforts being made to leverage storytelling as a means of showcasing the country's unique offerings. The upcoming 6th annual edition of the Mashariki African Film Festival, themed "Kagire Inkuru" which means "Tell the Tale", is set to be a week-long event in Kigali. The festival will bring together filmmakers from across the continent for screenings, panels, and workshops, including a special session titled "Girls In Cinema". Kennedy Mazimpaka, the Communications Manager of the festival, highlighted the growth of the event over the years, stating that each edition has introduced new faces and allowed local filmmakers to network and learn from their African counterparts. With over 50 to 100 filmmakers attending each year, the festival serves as a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work, learn from others, and elevate the standards of the industry. As Rwanda's film industry continues to attract big film projects like '600' and 'Petipaei', which were both filmed in the country, there is a growing need to establish a strong foundation for the industry to thrive. The recent establishment of the RDB film office signals a commitment to supporting the industry's growth, but Mazimpaka emphasized that more support is needed from the government, film office, federations, and the arts council. He likened the industry's development to a coffee tree, emphasizing the time and effort required to see fruitful outcomes. While Rwanda is still in the early stages of developing its film industry, Mazimpaka expressed the importance of skills development, benchmarking against established industries like Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood, and focusing on the quality and uniqueness of storytelling. The country's unique landscapes and locations offer a promising backdrop for filmmakers, but Mazimpaka stressed the need for a conducive environment that attracts international productions and ensures a return on investment. Looking ahead, the Mashariki African Film Festival aims to address key industry challenges and nurture a vibrant storytelling culture in Rwanda. As the government and industry stakeholders work towards creating an attractive filming destination, the goal is to provide a supportive infrastructure that encourages both local and international filmmakers to explore the country's cinematic potential. In conclusion, the Mashariki African Film Festival serves as a testament to Rwanda's commitment to developing its film industry through storytelling and collaboration with filmmakers across the continent. With a focus on quality, skills development, and industry support, Rwanda is poised to carve out a unique space in the African film landscape.