"Fight Like a Girl", a movie project portrayed by South Africa&039;s Ama Qamata from the hit Netflix series "Blood and Water," left movie enthusiasts overwhelmed during a colourful screening event held Friday, August 2, at Canal Olympia, Rebero.

Based on true events, the film showcases the resilience and strength of women, particularly in East DR Congo, who face similar challenges as those engaged in sex trafficking and other inhumane activities.

The film follows 19-year-old Sifa, who is kidnapped by rebels and forced to work in an illegal mineral mine. After a violent confrontation and a traumatic assault, Sifa escapes and undertakes a dangerous six-day journey through the Congolese jungle to Goma. In Goma, local authorities assist her, but she struggles to find stability until she joins a renowned all-women’s boxing club, where she begins to rebuild her life.

The film features a talented cast of Rwandans characters including Malaika Uwamahoro as a boxer, Jones Kennedy Mazimpaka as a fisherman, Ruth Bahali, a member of an all-women&039;s boxing club, and Arthur Nkusi as a carpenter, among others.

Directed by American filmmaker Matthew Leutwyler, "Fight Like a Girl" was shot from various locations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda, particularly in the western parts of the country and inside BK Arena.

ALSO READ: Seven series to binge-watch over the weekend

Ama Qamata, 25, was in attendance during the film screening which attracted a host of celebrities including star fashion designer and Moshions founder Moses Turahirwa and mulita-award-winning actress Eliane Umuhire and Taryn Bird, the Senior Director in charge of Social Impact at American fashion house Kate Spade New York.

The latter, who was among key funders of the movie project, was in Kigali when the fashion house co-hosted an event on women&039;s mental health and gender equity which concluded at Norrsken House Kigali.

Qamata shared her thoughts on landing the role which was an intense and rewarding experience particularly the perseverance and hope the role encourages.

"This is by far the most challenging role that I've ever had to do, not only because of the story but also due to the environment in which I had to shoot and the preparation it required. I had to delve into the culture and understand these women's stories and what they are about. It was challenging but also rewarding at the same time," she told The New Times.

Arthur Nkusi's role was a challenging aspect of bringing in softness amidst the harsh realities. However, it was important to show humanity on the other side of the world. He befriended Sifa, encouraged her to move on, and often insisted that "even the egg will walk”.

"This is a story about a girl going through hard times, and I'm glad that I was able to play such a part. Many girls in various parts of the world go through the same situation. It is common to them. I was a calm voice," he said.

‘Fight like a Girl’ director Matthew Leutwyler said the movie is "not a political story but rather a human story. This film is a tribute to the incredible resilience of these women. Their stories deserve to be told and celebrated."

Bringing the film home

Yannick Ntirushwa, Executive Director, American Chamber of Commerce, Rwanda, which worked with Kate Spade and partners to screen the movie in Kigali, said after the screening that, to him, it was much more of a personal achievement.

"I was lucky enough to go watch it in New York in May. The first time I saw this movie, it was different. You can imagine, as a Rwandan, from East Africa being in a space that was showing a movie from our continent,”

"The funny story about the movie that I always tell everyone is that after the movie ended, we went to an afterparty and I talked to Matt and Clarisse (co-producers) and said I promise you guys before the end of this year I want to bring this movie to Rwanda and here we are today,” Ntirushwa said after the screening.

Linking the movie to the two-days of conversations women in entrepreneurship had on gender equity and mental health, Ntirushwa said ‘Fight like a Girl’ portrays the three aspects of women's resilience, women's empowerment.

In 2024, ‘Fight like a Girl’ was nominated for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), further highlighting its impact and significance. So far, the film has received multiple award nominations, including Best Production Design, Best Supporting Actor, Best Soundtrack, Best Supporting Actress, Best Leading Actress and more.