The 5th Rwanda Film Festival is underway this week. This year it is much bigger and better. It is a celebration of Rwandan talent and a showcase of our love and belief in our unique art. There is more to film than just entertainment. It is a whole industry that provides careers for both children and adults. For as long as filmmaking has existed children have been acting. The result is children actors who have stood out because of their talent and success as film actors. Jaden Smith, launched his career when he played a magnificent role with his father Will Smith in the block buster movie, “Pursuit of Happiness.” Today, Jaden has taken acting as a career and is attending film classes for his next film “Karate Kid.” All movie lovers have probably watched ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ The roles played by nine year old Rubina Ali, and ten year old Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail were the best. These two children actors have had a chance to travel across the world because of their incredible performance. We also know of other good kid actors like those in ‘Harry Porter’ who have been acting from very young ages and have made it in the film industry. Closer home here in Rwanda, we too have opportunities to act and get involved in film making activities. All we have to do is have interest. The Rwanda Film Institute, part of Rwanda Cinema at Gachuriro is providing opportunities for Rwandan youth by giving them a chance to tell their stories through film. Rwanda Cinema Centre encourages dedicated youth to engage, learn filming and embrace the benefits that come with it. So for all growing celebrities with dreams to become actors or filmmakers, fret not for the opportunity does exist. It is important that we take film as a possible career for us. It takes hard work to make it in the film industry, just like in any other career. Ends
