THE Thousand Hills Academy Awards (THAA) ceremony, which was held last Friday at Amahoro’s Petit Stade in Remera was a success. An array of excellent films were nominated, but the 2014 movie titled, Agasaro by Ibrahim Afrifame, ultimately took home the honors for its incredible story. Kimwe kuri Kimwe also proved to be a big winner after clinching the Best Short Film. Meanwhile, Habiyakare Muniru and Fabiola Khadhijah Mukasekuru took home the Best Actor and Best Actress for their brilliant and unforgettable performances in the movies, Butorwa and Amarira y’urukundo respectively. Music bands, Sound of Hills and Congolese’s Groupe, delivered excellent performances. Speaking at the event, Willy Ndahiro, the chairman of THAA, gave a brief background about the awards and, the criteria that was used to choose the best movies and the characters. “No one should go home unsatisfied because the winners were selected by movie experts from the region—that is to say, Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya,” Ndahiro explained. The actor also applauded the government and stakeholders for the support. Dr. James Vuningoma (L) presents the Best Feature Film award to the “Agasaro” actors. (Photos by S.Kalimba) Annette Uwizeye, the head of the jury, said the criterion to choose the best movie based on five fields; directing, story, editing, cinematography and sound, with all fields scoring 10 points. Participants also got certificates after a week-long film workshop that took place at the Africa Digital Media Academy, (ADMA) prior to the ceremony. The ceremony which started an hour late was emceed by celebrated Rwandan actor Kennedy Mazimpaka. Dr. James Vuningoma, the Executive Secretary of the Rwanda Academy of Language and Culture and Jerome Gasana, the Director General of the Workforce Development Authority, (WDA) were among the notable guests who graced the event. Nominees, winners and The Awards. Best Actors Habiyakare Muniru (Butorwa) Didier Kamanzi (Rwasibo) Harid Sebanani (Igyi rya dragon) Best Actresses Khadhijah Fabiola Mukasekuru (Amarira y’urukundo) Nadege Uwamwezi (Rwasibo) Mediatrice Uwamahoro (Agasaro) Best Feature Films Agasaro Ayubusa Best Short Film Kimwe kuri Kimwe. Outstanding Production Amahano Ibwami Best Old Actor Roger Irunga (Impanda y’imperuka) Charles Musabyimana (Amarira y’urukundo) Best Old Actress Antoinette Uwamahoro (Ay’ubusa) Beatha Mukakamanzi (Intare y’ingore) Best Film Editors Louis Mudahemuka Best Story Amarira Y’Urukundo (Khadijah Fabiola Mukasekure) Ayubusa (Antoinette Uwamahoro) Best short film Kimwe Kuri Kimwe Best Directors Eric Ibrahim Mutuyimana (Agasaro) Benoit Murihano (Kimwe kuri Kimwe) Charles Gasana (Umurabyo) Best Cinematographer Mustapha Habarurema (Agasaro) Claude Cyuzuzo (Butorwa) Best Young Actor Mathematic Masudi (Ay’ubusa) Best Young Actress Carine Murekeyiteto (Ay’ubusa).
