Rwandans are hard working people. Also, they are people who are constantly raising the bar on their own standards of development. Just look at Rwanda’s universal healthcare plan; a lesson or two there for the US. Its zero stance on corruption means that government systems work for the people, and support from development partners goes all the way to those who need it most. As for the roads, don’t get me started. Not seeing smooth tarmac and those cute little blinking reflectors is cause for alarm. Potholes remain a myth, an urban legend of sorts.In a nutshell, hardworking people whose super hard work continues to transform this country need a break – a momentary drift, a space where their minds can be occupied by the simple things. A space where they can go and spend some positive time with friends and family. What else, if not a cinema? Alas, we are yet to see the likes of this in Rwanda. There was one at the KBC building around seven years ago, but it disappeared. Mysteriously. Then, Nyamirambo got our hopes up, but the standards with which you can compare that outfit to a decent cinema have since dropped. This is therefore a plea to Odeon Cinemas, Ster-Kinekor, Nu Metro Cinemas or Cineplex Entertainment, to please come and invest in Rwanda. Or better yet – a call to someone from the Rwandan business community to partner with and introduce these leading cinema companies in the country.As one of my friends exclaimed, “How is it possible that they can have a cinema in Tonga of all places, and we in Kigali, don’t?” Tonga – for those who may be clueless (as I was) – is a kingdom that consists of a cluster of 176 islands on the South Pacific Ocean. Only fifty-two of these islands are inhabited. So, you can see why it really vexed my friend, that a largely uninhabited archipelago has a cinema, while one of the most densely populated countries in the world doesn’t. Aside from the definite profits a modern cinema would make in Kigali, think too of all the teenagers being saved from the clutches of bars, risky behaviours and all that comes with boredom. Also, think too of the marriages being saved by romantic outings to watch the latest romantic comedy. And – for a country that positions itself as an ICT hub, it is impossible to believe that many in this hub are yet to experience 3D. A cinema would nicely take care of this paradox.Odeon Cinemas, Ster-Kinekor and friends, are you listening?
