Methode Muhire, a Rwandan filmmaker and film student, has been honored with the Rwandan Students Special Award for his short film, ‘D.A.D (Dawn After Darkness)’, at the just-concluded 2024 All African Independent Film Festival (AAIFF Africa).

The festival, held from September 13-15 at the French Institute of Rwanda, showcased 23 films from 17 countries competing across 10 categories for 16 awards, with the top accolade being Africa’s Best Independent Film 2024.

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Muhire, the only Rwandan filmmaker who won an award at the festival, expressed his enthusiasm about the recognition, saying, "Winning this award is a big motivation for me to work even harder. It’s incredible to know that my film made an impact and was appreciated by others.”

"This acknowledgment not only validates my efforts but also inspires me to continue pushing boundaries in my craft. It’s a reminder that dedication and passion can truly make a difference," he added.

He also reflected on the significance of his achievement as the sole Rwandan participant.

"While I would have liked to see more Rwandan filmmakers in the festival, this recognition will hopefully inspire others. I believe this win will encourage more Rwandans to participate and gain recognition in future festivals.

This is a moment of pride for me and for Rwanda, and I hope it will serve as a catalyst for the growth of our film industry. Seeing that our work is valued on such a platform reassures us that we are on the right path, and I am excited to see the emerging talent that will follow,” he said.

Other awards presented at the festival included Africa’s Best Independent Film, which was won by ‘Mami Wata,’ a film directed by Nigerian C.J ‘Fiery’ Obasi. The award for Africa’s Best Independent Film Director went to South African duo Mari Geldenhuys and Malcom Rainers for their film ‘Beyond the Ring.’

In the category of Best African Independent Dramatic Short, ‘Angie’s Love’ by Bayo Lambo from Nigeria took the top prize, while the Best African Independent Dramatic Feature was awarded to ‘No Judgement’ by Gabi Ruben Ngounou and Vicky Patterson De Nkenglack from Cameroon.

The ‘Great Clash,’ directed by South African Johann Vermaak, was named the Best African Independent Animated Film while South African Lindo Mthimkhulu’s movie ‘Warm’ won an award as the Best African Independent Student Film.

The Best African Independent Experimental Film award went to ‘Music Is My Refuge’ by Thierno Seydou Nouro Sy from Senegal.

Additionally, the Best African Independent Music Video was awarded to ‘Muskteers Danko’ directed by South Africa’s Kyle White.

Other notable awards included Best Independent Short Script for ‘Jaanong Nnaa?’ by Babedi Trevor from Botswana, and Best Independent Feature Script for ‘Lake Kivu’ by Roxanne Dyssel from South Africa.

The Best Editing award was presented to Congolese-British Jeremy Stewart for his film ‘Mama’ while Best Cinematography was awarded to ‘Black Ibis’ by Dutch filmmaker Hench Pengel.

The Best Actress award went to Vicky Patterson for his role in ‘No Judgement’ while the Best Actor award was given to Kenyan Lucarelli Onyago for starring in ‘Thief.’