The Kigali Cine Junction Film Festival is back for its third edition, scheduled to take place from July 23 to 27 with an expanded programme and a special focus on Senegalese cinema.
Organised by Imitana Productions, a Kigali-based film production company, this year’s edition builds on the success of previous editions and aims to deepen cultural ties through film under the theme "Threads of Connection.”
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According to Philbert Aimé Mbabazi Sharangabo, co-founder of Imitana Productions, cinema is a universal language that connects people across cultures, even when they don’t share the same spoken language.
"That’s what this year’s theme is about, how cinema links people across cultures and languages. Even within Africa, cinema varies: Rwandan cinema is not the same as Senegalese cinema, or West African cinema in general, and yet there are threads that tie us together.”
This year’s festival will run for five days, an expansion from the previous four-day format. The schedule features a wide range of screenings, workshops, performances, and panel discussions aimed at celebrating local talent and connecting Rwandan filmmakers with international professionals.
Open-air screenings
International award-winning films, including ‘Dahomey’ by Mati Diop winner of the Golden Bear at Berlinale 2024, ‘A Real Pain’ by Jesse Eisenberg, which won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay, and ‘Le Grand Déplacement’ by Jean-Pascal Zadi, making its African premiere, will be screened in the open-air space at Kigali’s Car-Free Zone, also known as Imbuga City Walk.
Local cinema will also take center stage with screenings at the renovated Mayaka Cinema. These include Minimals in a Titanic World by Mbabazi himself, Phiona, A Girl from Madrid by Mutiganda Wa Nkunda, and Imihigo by Shyaka Kagame, which will close the festival.
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Spotlight on Senegal
This year’s edition features a special focus on Senegal, highlighting iconic films that have shaped African cinema. These include Madame Brouette by Moussa Sène Absa, Afrique Sur Seine by Paulin Soumanou Vieyra and Mamadou Sarr, and Camp de Thiaroye by legendary filmmaker Ousmane Sembène.
"This focus on Senegal is an opportunity to strengthen ties between our two cinematic cultures and share our love for film,” said Mbabazi.
Industry professionals join
The festival is also expanding its diaspora program. Notable attendees include French-Rwandan choreographer Marie Mwiza Ndutiye, who has worked with global stars like Aya Nakamura and Katy Perry. She will lead choreography workshops alongside local Rwandan artists.
Actress Umulisa Gahiga, known for her role in Season 2 of Netflix’s The Sandman, will also be present to showcase her work and mentor aspiring actors.
Masterclasses and panel discussions will be led by Camille Varenne and Claire Diao, covering topics such as the economics of film and the role of choreography in cinema.
"These sessions are meant to connect experienced professionals with local filmmakers and aspiring creatives, creating opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional growth,” said Mbabazi.
Mbabazi said the organisers hope to establish Kigali Cine Junction as a major annual summer event that attracts professionals from across the region to celebrate African cinema.
One major change this year is the transition from a free event to a ticketed one. Registrations and ticket sales are now being managed through the Sync Events platform.
"We believe this step will help professionalise the event even further and ensure its sustainability,” Mbabazi added.