The Rwanda Film Festival had its opening night gala on Friday, with a screening of three films ‘Stressed’, ‘Inside’ and ‘Katanga Business’, at Serena Hotel, Kigali.

The event was well attended and the opening night film equally interesting.

Rwanda Film Festival’s 6th edition, is spearheaded by Eric Kabera, a Rwandan filmmaker who has won many films awards and has embarked on a strategy to make the local movie industry, known as ‘Hillywood’ to fit the international level.

James Muhire, who was among the dozens at the ceremony, praised the diverse output of the local filmmakers, pointing out that it’s difficult for local filmmakers to produce work "for many reasons”, including lack of professional skills and equipment. "But if you look at the work and the outcome,” he adds, "I think they’re doing a great job.”

The festival began in Nyagatare, Eastern Province, on July 11 and end July 23. Over the past six years, Rwanda Film Festival has grown steadily—it is now a venue to both locally and internationally acclaimed films.

All photos by F. Goodman