Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni has called on players in the film industry to continue strengthening co-productions both locally and internationally, noting that collaboration is essential for the sector’s growth.
She made the remarks during the annual Zacu Gala, which brought together filmmakers, fashion personalities, artists, directors, and other creatives to celebrate achievements made in Rwanda’s film sector over the past 12 months.
Now in its second edition, the gala showcased the increasing vibrancy of the country’s film industry.
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Umutoni praised Rwanda’s evolving film landscape and commended industry players for grounding their work in authentic storytelling.
"Tonight is a tribute to the imagination, courage, and resilience of creators, those who turn ideas into stories, and stories into impact,” she said. "When we collaborate, we uplift not only our films but the entire industry.”
She emphasized that cultural industries thrive when artists and professionals work together across disciplines such as film, music, fashion, and technical crafts.
"Film needs music. Film needs fashion. Film needs the skills of both creative and technical professionals,” she noted.
"Cinema grows stronger when it embraces other talents—when great visuals meet great sound, great sound meets great costume design—and together they produce authentic and powerful art. I urge you to deepen collaboration in every part of the creative process.”
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Breaking silos across the creative scene
Wilson Misago, film producer and CEO of Zacu TV Entertainment, echoed the Minister’s message, stressing the need for bold creative collaboration that crosses traditional industry boundaries.
"What if we see actors becoming video vixens, and artists starring in films? Fashionistas joining cinema? There’s a lot of opportunities people should explore,” Misago said.
He suggested a future where well-known musicians like The Ben or Knowless Butera appear in films—an example of crossover creativity that he believes could reshape Rwanda’s entertainment landscape.
Misago added that Rwanda’s cinema sector is showing strong promise and is increasingly positioned to attract major production collaborations from countries such as South Africa and Nigeria.
"We have talented people, and we're looking forward to many collaborations with international directors. We’re renovating and trying to move out of the local zone,” he noted.
The gala also featured energetic performances from Kina Music artistes Nel Ngabo and Zuba Ray, who entertained the audience with select hits.
Red carpet moments added an extra layer of glamour to the evening, as attendees posed for standout shots, showcased their style, and celebrated local fashion collections—highlighting the creative diversity that the gala aims to uplift.