Kabera puts Rwanda on the global map

In 2003, Eric Kabera, a renowned Rwandan filmmaker, founded the Rwanda Cinema Centre (RCC). He was motivated by his unwavering passion to train young filmmakers and promote the filmmaking industry in Rwanda.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012
Kabera (right) with a delegation from Academy of Motion Picture. Photos / Joseph Njata.

In 2003, Eric Kabera, a renowned Rwandan filmmaker, founded the Rwanda Cinema Centre (RCC). He was motivated by his unwavering passion to train young filmmakers and promote the filmmaking industry in Rwanda. He traces his first experience in cinema on the day he decided to earn a buck as a fixer and translator. One thing led to another and as we speak, Kabera is the brains behind the Rwanda Film Festival and the new Kwetu Film Institute. Some of his credits include "Africa United,” "100 Days”, "Through My Eyes”, "Keepers of Memory” and "KIST towards a Brighter Future”. This week, Kabera’s work will be recognised by Pan African Film and Arts Festival (PAFF), America's largest and most prestigious Black film and arts festival.  He will receive the Africa Channel Visionary Award for his work at the Rwanda Cinema Centre. The award will be presented on February 10, 2012 at the Rave Cinemas Baldwin Hills 15 Crenshaw Plaza, Los Angeles.PAFF was founded in 1992 by award-winning actor Danny Glover ("The Color Purple,” "Lethal Weapon” movie franchise). The festival is a non-profit corporation dedicated to the promotion of ethnic and racial respect and tolerance through the exhibition of films, art and creative expression. A total of 160 films have been selected, representing 30 countries, 91 feature length films and 67 short films. Kabera’s latest work "Africa United” is among the biggest attractions at the festival. Kabera could not hide his joy, "I am floored by this achievement and I am dedicating the award to my entire team at the Rwanda Cinema Centre and our generous supporters. This will boost our morale to even work harder,” he said.He is upbeat on his upcoming production, "My next film will explore a rare genre in Rwandan filmmaking and for the first time, I will make an action movie,” he adds.