Music, drama prepped for Genocide anniversary

Rwanda is set to commemorate 20 years since the infamous 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi next year. There are a number of documentaries and films that have been produced capturing the country’s tragic history and her remarkable reconstruction. Now, award-winning film producer, Eric Kabera is set to produce a feature-length documentary of dance and music that highlights the role of arts and culture in moving the nation forward.Kabera, a Congolese born acclaimed Rwandan film producer, says the documentary titled, “My Voice, My Identity”, is going to explore the cultural identity, unity and reconciliation of Rwanda and the resilience of its people, through the eyes and voices of men and women who make up Rwanda’s National Ballet.The group has been hailed as one of the most graceful traditional dance troupes that have graced the African continent. It is going to take film lovers through the nation’s bittersweet journey; from its chequered history to the present period when the country has made great strides in political, social and economic developments through its pragmatic leadership.“It is through their everyday lives, their dances, and the messages that their dancing represents that we explore the forces that shape Rwanda today and the people who live it,” says Kabera in an exclusive press release.Kabera, who is also the founder and president of Rwanda Cinema Centre, has participated in more than 50 international film festivals around the world, and his productions have received various international awards, including the prestigious Toronto International Film Festival, Pan Africa Film Festival and Cape Town World Cinema Festival awards among others. He is also renowned for producing short films such as Africa United: Rwanda Women Celebrating Achievements, Through My Eyes and is the director of films, Rwanda the Renaissance and Keepers of Memory. About the forthcoming film, Kabera says, “It is through the eyes and voices of these individuals, and through personal testimonies of others, that we see how music and dance have served as a unifying force for the Rwandan people; while providing us with a compelling look at the country’s turbulent past as put together by its promising future.”He says the film follows the characters’ journey through their childhood memories, which may not have been rosy, through the present Rwanda and with the characters not shying away from narrating the sad experience they underwent in the past. “We’re given a window into their everyday lives and explore who they are; where they come from; how they became involved in this trade; how the community sees them; and their role in promoting Rwanda’s future. The film will also include archival footage, engaging music, and performance footage of the National Ballet,” he says.He adds that by using dance and music as a vehicle to tell the narrative of Rwanda in its past and present, the film is inevitably going to show the essence of what it means to be a Rwandan, transcending any ethnic divide. “It will be a film that embodies Rwandan culture and values, and serves as a symbol of a shared identity and national unity.”Kabera adds that this film will also serve as a tool to celebrate the differences and similarities of its existing cultural values by bringing the people of Rwanda together, while at the same time looking back in order to understand it’s turbulent past in order to reconcile itself with its future aspirations.Just like Rwanda has over the years overcome its dark past and people are now involved in preaching reconciliation over revenge, “My Voice, My Identity” closes with triumph overcoming tragedy, showing that in a just society the good will normally triumph over the evil.Kabera notes that on the domestic front, this film is going to act as a potential stimulus to other people who may see potential education and employment opportunities within dance troupes, while at the same time contributing to the on-going transformation of the image of the country, changing some negative perceptions about Rwanda like genocide and violence.

Leisure

Music, drama prepped for Genocide anniversary