Use film to tell Rwanda’s story

The Rwanda Film Industry, commonly known as “Hillywood”, has organised a festival, currently taking place, with audiences across the country getting the opportunity to watch our own movies - acted, filmed and produced by Rwandans themselves. Movies have been produced about Rwanda, however, more often than not, they have misrepresented Rwanda’s story. Hillywood, over the years, has shown there is potential among Rwandans to entertain, inform, and educate through films. It is important to note that from time immemorial, film has been a successful genre of not only telling stories, but preserving history. The lives of the Rwandan people have improved and the country has registered remarkable progress in the last 16 years. Interestingly, this is only the beginning. Looking at the future plans, there is no doubt that the country is undergoing serious transformation. However, these success stories are hardly told and yet there are many people, both in Rwanda and outside, who would like to understand Rwanda’s extra ordinary story, and how it has managed to grow so fast. Film makers, should also take on the responsibility of documenting this process. With the advancements in technology, they can use the internet to reach audiences across the world. Additionally, we must remember that future generations will want to know Rwanda’s history and it is through film, that they can be shown the true picture. And, other countries too, that would want to learn from Rwanda’s experience, will have the visuals at hand. Ends

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Use film to tell Rwanda’s story