A few weeks ago Olivier Uwayezu, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, along with a few friends started a film school called 94HI Film School, under the already existing film studio—94HiStudio.

The film school was inspired by Rwanda’s Genocide story, and its aim is to train producers, directors and technical crews in the film career.

"Our inspiration comes from what we experienced during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi that claimed over a million Rwandans. The name 98HI means 1994 History and it has a broader meaning in this context,” explains Uwayezu, the director of the newly established school.

He says that the studio which preceded the film school is dedicated to recording the testimonies of the survivors to have their voices heard across the world.

Uwayezu’s career in filmmaking over the last eight years has opened his eyes way beyond having only the film studio, to initiating something that will help develop and promote Rwanda’s film industry on the international market.

"I’ve been a filmmaker since 2007, and I have produced and edited many films over the years, but my career in filmmaking has been forcing me to do much more. I realised that we need to train younger Rwandans to support and grow the local film industry,” he said.

What the new film school is bringing

Uwayezu says that the new school has unique attributes and that one of the things on top of their agenda is to train Rwandans interested in the film industry.

"Yes it is business and we want to grow in all different areas, but currently our main objective is to change how the filmmaking career is pursued. We want to facilitate Rwandans to realise their passions in meaningful ways. Be able to translate them into realistic careers, and also support the development of the local film industry,” Uwayezu told a group of journalists who had visited the new film school on Friday.

Located in the residential area commonly known as ‘Kwa Kabuga’ in Kigali, the school offers a three-month course in pre-production, production as well post production.

"The school has started operations and we now have five students. They have had the introduction to film, the editing course, and they’ll be followed by production and post-production courses, all prepared from outside and students get an opportunity to experience new equipments that are not common in Rwanda,” said Abraham Rwamiheto, the head of video production.

The shoulder rig, steady cam, cranes, high class cameras used under water, and special software used in composing and editing like Avid, are some of high quality materials that students practice with during the classes.

The school also offers a one-year online course in partnership with ‘e-GA Media’, an international firm that specialises in film.

"e-GA Media will be helping in providing those online courses to our students. We already have a strong partnership where most of the notes are composed by international tutors,” says Uwayezu.

He also noted that ‘e-GA Media’ will provide teachers who will be conducting online classes via internet and conference calls, and that in the long run, students will get opportunities to travel to the US for further courses.

Together with 94HiStudio, 94HI Film School will be hosting film production boot camps, workshops, and short trainings to turn the students into professional filmmakers.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw