Rwanda Inaugural Movie Awards: Winners unveiled

The Rwanda Movie Awards took place at Kigali Serena Hotel on Sunday in a glittering three and a half hour ceremony, hosted by Radio Rwanda presenter Tidjara Kabendera.The glamorous red carpet event kicked off at exactly 7:00pm before stars displayed some of the hottest trends.Movie fans from different parts of the city flocked Kigali Serena Hotel’s Banquet Hall in huge numbers for the inauguration of the Rwanda Movie Awards. Also in attendance were Tanzania’s film stars Irene Pankras Uwoya, Derrick Kigozi and Jacobs Stephen.Awards were presented in different categories based on the jury as well as internet votes (people’s choice). However, it was the Bibaho film actors, a group of local movie actors, who scooped the Best Actors’ award for the year 2012-2013.Kennedy Mazimpaka, one of the judges, said, “These categories were selected based on the films, sound, script and of course the actors. But others depended on the public voting through the internet.”The group’s director, Muniru Habiyakare, was also ranked the Best Director and Best Film Actor of the year. Also recognised during the ceremony were Kalisa Edward and Serge Guillaume from the Ministry of Sports and Culture.The event saw various awards given out in different categories, in which the public participated in online voting.Oprah, real name Irene Pankras Uwoya, commended the initiative of awarding the best actors, urging that it will help in promoting Rwanda’s budding film industry.“Movies are an educative strategy and those taking part should give it their all so that they can contribute to society’s development,” she said.Hadijja Mukandayisenga, a resident in Nyamirambo suburb, said she was excited to watch films by local filmmakers.Ten categories were awarded including the Best Child actor. ---------------------------------------- List of winners Best film documentary: The impact of given a cow to the people of Rwanda by Ishmael Ntihabose. Best short film: Kivuto Best Actor: Munanura Habyalare Best Actress: Fidelite Irakoze Sonia Best Director: Muniru Habiyakare Up coming group/Dynamic awards: Happiness Games People’s Choice Actor: Denis Nsanzabaganwa Best Female People’s Choice: Marie France Niragire. Best People’s Movie: Ibanga Young Best Actress: Esther Ngabire

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Rwanda Inaugural Movie Awards: Winners unveiled