Renowned Rwandan film stars Djalia Mukayizeri (Kecapu) and Ramadhan Benimana, commonly known in cinema as Bamenya, are set to receive Hyundai Sonata cars, in addition to trophies, after winning the People’s Choice Actress and Actor of the Year awards respectively at the 11th Mashariki African Film Festival.
The pair, who both play starring roles in famous Bamenya Series, secured the highest number of public votes in their respective categories when the month-long voting exercise closed on Friday night.
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Kecapu led the People’s Choice Actress category with 70,208 votes, overtaking longtime frontrunner Antoinette Uwamahoro (Intare y’ingore), who had dominated the competition from the start.
In the men’s race, Bamenya emerged the clear winner with 80,748 votes, far ahead of Aime Valens Tuyisenge (Boss Rukundo), who received 14,320 votes.
Both winners recorded a dramatic surge in votes on the final day, just hours before the polls closed at midnight.
Mashariki African Film Festival’s Iziwacu awards witnessed massive voting turnout where the women’s category registered 126,948 votes, equivalent to Rwf 25,389,600 and the men’s category registered 120,432 votes, valued at Rwf 24,086,400. A combined 247,380 votes were cast amounting to Rwf 49,476,000.
Each winner will receive a Hyundai Sonata valued at Rwf 13 million, alongside their official festival trophies.
Beyond just awards
Beyond the voting competition, the Mashariki African Film Festival also hosted a vibrant lineup of activities including a five-day masterclass and film market, Masharket, featuring panel discussions, networking events, mentorship programs, screenings, and pitching platforms. These activities aimed to strengthen collaboration and investment within Africa’s creative industries.
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Daily screenings of international films were also held, with the best works set to be recognized across multiple award categories.
This year’s festival will conclude on Saturday, November 29, with a grand awards ceremony at Kigali Serena Hotel.