Dignitaries of different nationalities graced the closure of the 11th edition of the Rwanda Film Festival at Hotel Villa Portofino in Nyarutarama on Friday evening.

Organised under the theme ‘Limitless,’ the ten-day event saw over 30 films screened in Kigali, Musanze, Gicumbi and Rwamagana.

Selma was the closing film – a movie that draws inspiration and dramatic power from the life and death of Martin Luther King Jr. The movie Selma, which was released in November 2014, focusses on Martin Luther King Jr’s work and advocacy for Black civil rights. It was screened on the big screen at the Nyarutarama-based hotel.

Silverback Awards were presented to the winners of the best four film categories that included best feature film, best local film, best documentary and best audience – a film favored by majority viewers.

Speaking at the ceremony, Eric Kabera, the founder of Rwanda Film Festival and Kwetu Film Institute, said there has been great improvement in terms of the quality of local movies and short films

Kabera, who was also on the jury, told the crowd that picking the best film wasn’t easy.

"Tonight is a night filled with surprises, even to myself. Every film we screened was unique and each deserved to win,” he said.

"Unfortunately, not all of them could be awarded so there has to be best of the best,” he added.

There was something figurative about the festival. For instance, the hilly nature of Musanze and Gicumbi are symbolic of Hillywood. And silverbacks are synonymous with Rwanda’s tourism, too.

This year’s theme ‘Limitless’ was chosen to show that there is no limit to what the human mind can do.

This year, Rwanda Film Festival had a rich programme of activities – from new films from around the world and screen talks to art exhibitions, fashion show and a music concert – it showed really how the festival has evolved over the years.

The films which were showcased this year explored the joy and sorrow of aiming high in a world where many are faced with limitations. A total of 60 films were screened during the latest edition.

Best (Local) Hillywood film: My Shade

Directed by Liane Muhoza, My Shade tells the passionate story of Noah Mushimiyimana, an HIV positive man who gains international recognition through music.

Best Audience: Triangle - Going to America

With thousands of African economic immigrants drowning in the Mediterranean Sea en route to Europe, it’s easy to see why this film won in this category.

This Ethiopian film tells the story of an Eritrean beauty who finds love as she travels a tiring and illegal path filled with danger, exploitation and death from East and North Africa through Italy, Mexico and finally to the United States.

Best Feature: The Two of Us

This 2014 South Africa movie is about a young man who feels so protective of her sister who has been abused.

He is determined to terminate her relationship when she falls for an older man.

Best Documentary: The Black Panthers - Vanguard of the Revolution

Signifying the broaderAmerican cultural and political awakening for Black people, this film weaves voices from varied perspectives who lived this story — police, FBI informants, journalists, white supporters, and detractors, those who remained loyal to the party (panthers) and those who left it.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw