The year 2024 has been an extraordinary one for Rwandan cinema, marked by numerous awards, festivals, and other memorable events. The film industry continues to draw attention from global players, leaving several moments to remember, capturing the spotlight and celebrating the growth it continues to enjoy. When Rwandan filmmakers hit the global podium From seasoned filmmaker Eric Kabera to Bora Shingiro, Rwandan filmmakers left a mark in the cinema world as they continue to show what they can offer to the industry. Kabera was, for instance, recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Afrika Film Festival in Leuven, Belgium. This prestigious accolade celebrated Kabera’s extensive body of work over the past 30 years, focusing on the Genocide against the Tutsi, as well as his dedication to training the next generation of Rwandan storytellers. This made the Kwetu Film Institute founder the first Rwandan filmmaker to receive such an honour. His notable works include ‘Intore’, ‘The Woman in Me’, ‘100 Days’, and many others, which have left a significant impact on the global cinema landscape. Another award recipient was Shingiro who gained international recognition for his short film ‘Igihuku’. The film won the Best Women Short award at the Independent Short Awards, an esteemed international short film festival held in Los Angeles, California. Competing against over 500 films from 27 countries, ‘Igihuku’ emerged victorious through a rigorous online application process that began in May. The awards ceremony is set to take place on September 14 at Regal Cinemas LA Live in Los Angeles, further cementing Shingiro’s place on the global stage. ALSO READ: Rwandan filmmakers seek funding to uplift industry Impact-driven festivals A number of festivals took place in Kigali and filmmakers are already celebrating the impact they have brought to their works. For instance, Urusaro International Women Film Festival made a grand return this year with its routine objective to celebrate exceptional women filmmakers from around the globe. The festival showcases films that highlight women's stories and perspectives. A total of 96 films from various countries were screened during the weeklong event and, following a rigorous evaluation by a panel of three judges, 64 films were recognised and awarded, making it a remarkable platform for female voices in cinema. ALSO READ: Rwandan filmmaker lands top movie award in US The Cine Junction also returned to Kigali, bringing together filmmakers from across Africa. Held in August under the theme “Black Aesthetics: Bridging Continents,” the event celebrated and showcased the richness of Black culture, history, and identity through authentic stories, fostering connections and collaboration among filmmakers from the continent and beyond. During the event, renowned Rwandan actress Eliane Umuhire made a special presence where she conducted acting classes that made an impact on a number of filmmakers’ careers. Umuhire starred in films such as A Quiet Place Day One alongside Lupita Nyong'o. The movie was released in June has is available on Netflix. Another festival that stood out was Africa’s Independent Film Festival (AAIF) which debuted in Kigali in September. Held at the French Institute of Rwanda, the festival featured 23 films from 17 countries, competing across 10 categories for 16 awards, including the coveted title of Africa’s Best Independent Film 2024. This event was a major milestone for Rwandan cinema, providing a platform for African filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity while celebrating the diversity of the continent’s stories.
