Rwanda film stars for annual showbiz hangout

Rwanda film stars, through the Hillywood’s Actors Coalition (HAC), plan to host the first ever showbiz extravaganza party and award show dubbed, “The showbiz Hangout,” in October. The showbiz hangout shall feature Rwandan film stars, musicians and entertainment journalists as the main celebrants; alongside their fans in a meet and greet event. According to the chairman of the coalition, Willy Ndahiro, the whole essence is to build cohesion between the three groups, recognise the best performers in each group, and above all fuse ideas to foster growth in Rwanda’s music and film industry. On why filmmakers are seeking a partnership with musicians, he said: “Film can’t do without music. There exists a symbiotic relationship between the two and it’s a good step towards growing the film industry as a whole.” “There will be a mini-football tournament a month before as curtain raiser to the main event in which each group shall come up with a football team to compete for a prize.” Ndahiro said. Also on the event’s schedule is a beauty contest in which the coalition will recognise the most beautiful lady and handsome man in Hillywood (Mr and Ms HAC, respectively). The event is different from the annual “A Thousand Hills Academy Awards” but all the same seeks to foster growth in the Rwanda film industry. “As of now, we have not yet come up with specific dates for the event. We are still in talks with Sponsors but still welcome those that would wish to sponsor the event. Actual dates will be communicated later.” Mr. Ndahiro added. Like other film industries, many platforms that unite actors crop up with all aiming at propelling film stars to a greater level with each identifying a particular niche under different production firms. Hillywood Actors’ Coalition is a forum of Rwandan Actors established in 2013 with an aim of bringing together strengths and potentials of Rwandan film actors. The coalition seeks to develop skills through capacity and self reliability of its members to enhance professionalism, expand knowledge, build cryptic connections with major players on the international level and involve the Rwandan society to embrace local film production.