Preparations for the 1000 Hills Academy Awards are on course as the D-day approaches.  The Awards gala to recognise the best of Rwanda’s film industry will be held at Petit Stade in Remera on February 23.

The red carpet event is expected to be graced by the cream of the film industry in Rwanda.

 "Our mission is to create value for the film industry through promoting professionalism, writing good stories and enhancing competition which we hope to achieve through the Awards,” said Ahmed Harelimana, one of the organisers.

According to Trésor Senga, the president of 1000 Hills Academy Awards, various people will be awarded in different categories including best feature film, short movie and documentary. Others are the best male and female actresses and the best upcoming actors among others.

The selection panel will include experienced judges from Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Burundi.

To enter the Awards, one needs a submission fee of Rwf10, 000 along with two DVDs of the nominated film. The film should be purely Rwandan including the directors. Deadline for entries is January 31.

According to the organisers, the winners will walk away with an assortment of prizes.