Rwandan actress aims to make it big

Marie France Niragire starred in the latest film ‘Inzozi’,a comedy about love gone sour, directed by Theogene Bizimana. ‘Inzozi’ was produced by Kigali based Silver Film Productions Limited and, it was premiered early this month in Kigali to thousands of movie lovers. The New Times’ Entertainment contributor Joseph Njata, who is also the Administrative Assistant at KWETU Film Institute, spoke with Niragire not only talk about her role in ‘Inzozi’, but to talk about herself, her opinion on the role of film in the country’s economy, and where she stands on the issue of actresses finding quality work in the showbiz industry Q: Can you briefly tell us, who Marie France Niragire is?A: I am a Rwandan actress, interior designer and events planner. I recently starred in two comedy films ‘Inzozi’ and ‘Rudasanzwe’. Most importantly, I believe that I am the best actress in the country. Q: Did you get paid for acting in those films?A: I did not ask for payments because I have a burning passion to contribute to the country’s growing film industry. Q: What is the role of film in the country’s economy?A: Film is educative and creates employment opportunities for people. All this plays a big role in country’s development. It has a ripple effect that could boom the prospects of the national economy. Q: Where do you see Rwanda’s film industry seven years from now?A: I believe it would be competing with Nollywood and Bollywood. Just give it time. If you see the quality of the images in our latest film ‘Inzozi’ where I am the lead character, you can see that we are heading somewhere. Q: What is your favourite Rwandan movie and why?A: My favourite Rwandan film is ‘Inzozi.’ Reason, because I did what I thought I could not do. I think there are few actresses in Africa who could do what I did. For example, many actors shed induced tears but mine was real. I just needed to come to character and cry! Q: If a filmmaker approached you to take part in a movie, would you accept the offer?A: It depends with the theme and intentions of a film. If it is about education, I can even participate for free, but if it’s for business I would ask for money. I would also love to be a millionaire! Who hates money anyway? Q: What impact do you think the film industry has to Rwanda?A: Film is educative and a very powerful media tool that can change the negative perceptions that some people have on Rwanda. Local filmmakers have their work already cut out for them in telling the true Rwandan story to the world. Ends

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Rwandan actress aims to make it big