A total of 444 young filmmakers have been empowered under ‘Tumenye Sinema,’ a programmed aimed at empowering Rwandan young talents with different filmmaking skills.

Funded by the European Union, the project was implemented by Mashariki African Film Festival (MAFF) to empower Rwandan young filmmakers with creative and technical skills, create a platform for collective action focusing on domestic content creation, promote self-employment while also encouraging self-expression through own story-telling.

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Speaking to The New Times, Senga Tresor, Executive Director of MAAFF, congratulated participants and lauded stakeholders, especially EU and Rwanda Development Board, for their unwavering support and dedication which laid a strong foundation for the future of Rwanda’s filmmaking.

"We are celebrating the successful completion of this project, a journey that was not easy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I thank all the sites present and our partners from South Africa who helped in its preparation," Senga said.

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On his part, EU Ambassador to Rwanda, Belén Calvo Uyarra, said, "The EU is delighted to support and empower the young generation in the film industry through Mashariki. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering creativity and providing new opportunities for Rwanda’s youth."

'Tumenye Sinema’ began in July 2020, and run until June 30, 2024, training hundreds of filmmakers from four districts namely Huye, Rubavu, Muhanga and Musanze. Participants acquired professional filmmaking techniques, providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge to excel in their craft

The program made notable achievements such as training 446 young adults in filmmaking, establishing four cooperatives established as well as producing 28 short films and series among others.