Multi-award winning film of music and dance has honored Rwanda's culture through the artistry of choreographer and performer Jacques Nyungura.
Dubbed " Dancing Joy", the film was produced by Kate Tsubata basing on Beethoven's 9th symphony to which dancers from 21 cultures perform in beautiful global locations to create a film journey of music,movement and stunning scenic beauty. The producer's goal in making this film was to give people an immersive sensory experience of what Beethoven envisioned, for people to feel the reality of being able to become one human family.
Tsubata was impressed by Rwanda's triumph over the trauma of Genocide against the Tutsi and wanted to specifically include Rwanda for that.
"Throughout the entire world, the horror and devastation of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi has been well known. However, the deeper story is how people adopted the orphans, healed and rebuilt the nation and that needs to be heard and seen. Rwanda has been become a model of transfoming pain into joy, through the hardwork and the deep hearts of its people, "says Kate Tsubata.
Rwandan dancer Nyungura impressed the producer not only through his choreography and movement but also because he had used his dance to reach people with a message of transforming hatred and division through the sacred work of forgiveness and reconciliation.
In the film, Jacques performed the Intore dance, carrying Icumu and Ingabo (spear and shield).One of the key moments in the film, he lays down the traditional weapons as well as other dancers, signaling a decision to end hostility and embrace as brothers.
This opens the "ode to joy" theme and celebratory dance segments of the film, culminating in the acknowledgement of the divine, by all the dancers.
" I need to do something to bring joy to people. They need joy and if it is something that is going to benefit people, i have to do it to make them love and give them joy, " said Nyungura.
Nyungura was a dancer at Urukerereza(national ballet) since 1997. He toured throughtout Europe, South Africa and the United States as lead choreographer with dance troupe, Ingeli. His dancing has captured the attention of viewers to investigate Rwamda's rich cultural tradition. He has performed before famous international public figures such as Oprah Winfrey, Angelina Jolie, Chris Tucker, Angela Basset and Arsenal FC.
Dancing Joy has earned accolades including gold, silver and bronze awards for cinematography, director, producer and editor at IndieDance, Lady Filmmakers and other film festivals. The film can be watched on all streaming platforms.