The Rwanda Film Institute, Monday, held its first graduation ceremony which saw 15 students receive certificates after completing a basic course in different fields of film-making. The graduation took place at the institution’s premises at the Rwanda Cinema Centre at Gacuriro Estates.

During the graduation, the institute’s founder Eric Kabera lauded the student’s dedication and passion for professional film making.

"This is the first step towards creating young ambassadors in the film industry who will in turn become mentors for many other professional film-makers,” Kabera said.

Kabera commended the students and encouraged them to join the Rwanda Cinema Centre internship programme, from where he said they would achieve hands-on practice and launch their careers in filmmaking.

Theoneste Mutsindashyaka, the State Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, congratulated the graduates, as he recognised the efforts by the Rwanda Cinema Centre in transforming the Rwandan film industry.

"It is impressive that in just a few weeks the institute has been able to equip students with film making skills. These are some of the skills we wish to offer on vocational basis in the newly established Workforce Development Authority (WDA) through working hand in hand with the institute,” Mutsindashyaka said.

Later speaking to the press, the Rwanda Cinema Centre C.E.O, Pierre Kayitana, disclosed the institute’s plan to collaborate with overseas universities to provide Bachelor’s degree courses in filmmaking next year.

According to Kayitana, the institute aims at training 150 students each year in basic filmmaking before they enrol for further training.

The Film institute is in the process of designing three year degree programmes in all aspects of filmmaking.

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