1000Hills animation studio in collaboration with Africalia will this month launch their  2D animated movie’s first episode dubbed ‘The fairy tale of Ndabaga’ as part of a big project that was titled ‘Umugani animated series’ that they have been working on for a two-months period.

The animation productions were done by Joselyne Muhimpundu who was a script writer, Aristide Songa who did sound production, Julio Kamango and Joel Ntawurikura who did visual arts and design of the characters, five animators including Pascal Mugisha, Claudine Uwitonze, Josue Mfitumukiza, Jean de Dieu Bizimana and Paul Semivumbi who is also the manager of the project.

According to Paul Semivumbi the founder of 1000Hills animation studio and a Digital multimedia production lecture at IPRC Kigali, their animation aims to entertain and sustain Rwandan cultural heritage but through an animated 2-dimension (2D) series of the most significant Rwandan history and proverbs.

Paul Semivumbi the founder of 1000Hills animation studio.

"Growing up as a child, I always used to enjoy these traditional stories that are referred to as proverbs, through them I used to learn about Rwandan culture and values. That’s how the idea came about using modern animation technology to preserve our culture. The animation type is 2D animation,’’ he shared.

"Nowadays, things have changed, parents and families have become busy looking for a living and it is sometimes difficult to find time to tell stories to children. It is much easier to watch television or other technological devices such as telephones and computers. I have chosen animation so that they can listen to it but also watch it because animated films can also transmit messages quickly, despite the fact that children enjoy animations a lot especially when it is their mother language,’’ he added.

Asked why they chose to use a story of Ndabaga, Semivumbi explained that they wanted to use her story and her heroism so as to empower women and Rwandan youth at large.

"Ndabaga is not just a story, it’s the name of one of the most renowned brave youths in this country’s recorded history. It’s a heartwarming story and personality that should be told to Rwandan youth as they had a lot to learn from her story,’’ he told The New Times.

Talking about the impact of this animation towards the Rwandan community, Semivumbi explained that, "We don’t need to do extraordinary things to walk in the footsteps of Ndabaga or to just do great things. Everyone can do heroic actions in whatever he/she might be doing without gender considerations. Ndabaga’s story brings out the perfect picture of gender equality. Women, especially young girls, should have confidence in themselves. Ndabaga knew she could redeem her father regardless of her gender and indeed won her father’s pride. Women and men are equally capable of great achievements,’’

Part of the team that participated in the animation project.

He further explained that young women of today have a lot of lessons to learn from the Ndabaga’s story, especially those who have low self-esteem.

"Women should know that they are capable of anything. Ndabaga is a great example to every woman out there who has ambitions and who wants to achieve success in their lives. We appreciate the great example of the female artist who participated in this project and the result of their hard work.,’’ he highlights.

According to the founder of 1000Hills animation studio, the fairy tale of Ndabaga which is the first episode of Umugani series will be available to all animation lovers through their website https://thousandhillsanimation.com/ after the official launch at the end of December 2021.

Semivumbi also stated that among the expected results, to raise awareness among youth on the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage like heroism, patriotism, decision making and hard working are the most notable among the others.

1000Hills animation studio is a creative arts company based in Kigali, that seeks to inspire and educate Rwanda youth through animation.