Nadege Uwamwezi is a budding actress. The seemingly shy 23-year-old studied Computer Science and Management from APAKAPE College, before joining Kwetu Film Institute.

Popularly known as Catherine because of her role in the movie, Catherine, Nadege scooped the Rwanda film award best actress (2014), and 1000 Hills best actress award (2014).She shared her journey with The New Times’ Hassan Mutuhe.

Excerpts;

When did you start acting and what inspired you?

I started acting in school plays that were part of a campaign to fight malaria. By then it was just an activity like any other at school. But as time went on, I realised that acting was my calling. That’s why I enrolled for acting lessons at Kwetu in 2013.Then when I got my first role in Nkubitoya Nyamunsi, I knew I would be acting for many years to come.

You recently got two awards as the best film actress in Rwanda. Is it something that you saw coming?

Not at all. I have been acting for only one year and I was excited when I was shortlisted. But truthfully, I didn’t expect an award in such a short time. However, I’m glad that people really appreciate what I do and the awards were proof of that. I’m so grateful.

You were into singing before you started acting. How do you compare the two?

They both deal with hard work and various financial costs at all levels; producers, shooting, etc.

However, the music industry has greatly progressed because it gets wider exposure compared to the film industry. I have seen musicians prosper from events like Primus Guma Guma Superstar and Tusker Project Fame.

Do you think that’s what can propel the film industry in Rwanda?

That and many others. Whereas the actors/actresses are fabulous, we still lack some basics.

For example, we don’t have good cameras that can shoot clear images. Then more professional directors and producers can really help in advancing the local film industry.

I believe that can widen our fan base which is largely upcountry as of now. Besides mothers and children, we have to win the youth to our side. But how can we attract them when they’re addicted to quality Hollywood movies? That means that we have to improve ours.

Which of your movies do you like most and, why?

Every star has a moment to break the ground. To me, Catherine is the best movie because it made me the star that I am today. That doesn’t mean that I underrate myself in Rwasibo.

What kind of character was Catherine and how easy or hard was it to be her?

Catherine was an avenger. She was a girl who took matters into her own hands and sought to avenge for two of her relatives; dad and grandfather.

Being Catherine had its own challenges but it’s a role I enjoyed. In acting, you have to be the actor, not to act like one. If it means being a bad girl, you forget what your family or society thinks about you. After all, it’s acting.

What movies do you enjoy watching?

I like watching comedy, the likes of Mr. Bean. I however can’t see myself acting as a comedian because I laugh a lot.