Rwandan filmmakers are, since May 29, undergoing a special masterclass, a state-of-art initiative aimed at empowering aspiring filmmakers to secure funding for film projects.

Organised in partnership with Sanaa, G-film, and Goethe Institut Rwanda, the masterclass, which is taking place at Goethe Institute Rwanda, focused on equipping participants with skills needed to develop compelling pitches, network effectively, and approach potential donors, all essential components for advancing the Rwandan film industry in the near future.

Some 25 participants benefited from the masterclass session during which they discussed various strategies essential for securing film funding. These included crafting concise synopses, mastering live pitching techniques, and understanding the key elements required to captivate the audiences as well as potential investors.

Mentors provided comprehensive summaries of the necessary components, ensuring that attendees had a clear understanding of what is required for successful film project pitches.

The master class not only provided practical skills but also inspired a new wave of confidence among Rwandan filmmakers, paving the way for innovative and well-funded film projects in the future.

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"I realized that we really need more community networking events. We need to stop gatekeeping and offer courses on empowerment and leadership, especially public speaking, because that&039;s where people can share their ideas," said Miss Rwanda 2022 first runner up turned actress and mentor Amanda Akaliza.

The actress, starring in "Insights," affirmed that 'money' is everything needed and that players haven't talked about funds enough, yet it is everything needed.

"On our part we need to show professionalism in order to get funds. The reason why we don't get it is because there's stereotype artists- people who embrace funfair lives. It's not true. Some individuals are serious about what they are doing," she explained.

On government’s part, Akaliza said, they need to realize the importance of expression of arts especially for us who comes from the darkest history -1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

"There’s trauma, depression, anxiety and art is the best copying mechanism. If people start seeing arts as something helping community heals, they will understand the importance of it since it is easily accessible and free."

"Film markets the country," she continued. "Through it, people see the community and get a story. It would be wonderful if more storytellers could show what Rwanda is, because we would be the biggest marketing company out there for Rwanda."

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Heaven Iradukunda Nikita, a musician and aspiring filmmaker, said one of the most valuable insights she learned is how to pitch her projects, curate them, and ensure the ideas match with the target audience.

"It’s been good to be part of this workshop. Learning about these things helps you focus on specific tasks, set proper timelines, and work effectively as a team. This triggers you to start thinking about the business side of it," she said.

The &039;Low-Key' singer said one of her biggest takeaways is learning how to pitch relevant ideas besides making connections. She learned how to structure a project, and gained the knowledge needed to shoot a documentary with all the necessary requirements.

Anja Reiss, a mentor and an independent author and film director in Berlin, Freiburg and Zurich in Germany and Switzerland respectively, believes that the Rwandan film industry is very inspiring because it's a very young industry.

"Young talents really have a vision and need help to build the new Rwanda by making films. They have a very important voice we should listen to."

"What they need are opportunities to realize their projects and ideas so that the films can be released and showcase their vision of the country. Institutionalizing funding is the only way to help them."

"In Germany we have big cultural governmental refunds for filmmaking and I think Rwanda's government knows that art is a very powerful tool. They should focus on filmmaking as art because it's powerful but also it can establish an industry, which will give further jobs in the future."

"One thing is funding and the other thing is education, especially technical skills. That's what is needed."

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Eric Gisa, a co-organizer and founder of G-film, highlighted that what the film industry needs most is connecting people. He noted that while there are plenty of ideas, the challenge lies in developing them.

"We're in a good position, but we need partners to push it forward for the betterment of this industry and individuals alike. The industry lacks individuals with self-confidence. It should be 'No budget, high quality,” he said.