Winners of 2016 RCF Awards unveiled

THE 5th edition of the annual Rwanda Christian Festival (RCF) awards was held last Sunday at Kigali Convention Centre. Winners were recognized under five categories at the ceremony held under the theme, “Transforming the world around us with the films. The event kicked off at 5p.m, and was presided over by Eric Kabera, the founder and president of Kwetu Film Institute. Entries at this years festival included five documentary feature films (3 from Rwanda and 2 from USA), 10 short films from Rwanda, DR Congo, Burundi, Kenya, South Africa and Burkina Faso. Eric Kabera, (R), founder and president of Kwetu Film Institute, presents the award for Best Feature Film to Willy Ndahiro. One of the highlights was entertainment from popular gospel music group, Beauty For Ashes led by its front man Olivier Kavutse. The outfit delivered incredible performances that thrilled fans at the ceremony. On Saturday, two short films- “Slow Fade” from Kenya, “Beautiful Exchange” from Rwanda, and a feature film, “Hoovey” from the USA were screened to a packed crowd at Hilltop Hotel in Remera. Miss Naiades 2016 Peace Kwizera (in a yellow blazer), with some of the festival goers. The Rwanda Christian festival is an annual Christian film industry festival aimed at sharing exciting productions from new and seasoned Christian filmmakers telling the Story from their unique perspectives. According to Chris Mwungura, the founder and organiser of the Festival, this is the only film festival in the country dedicated to showcasing church-produced feature films. Ivan Ngenzi performs during the event. The festival’s mission is to educate and empower churches to incorporate film making into their ministries and to give exposure to the best church-produced films. In addition to movie screenings, the festival offers seminars and panels for church leaders, directors, producers, actors and those interested in utilizing films as a Christian evangelical tool. Brendah Indekwe recites a poem titled, Dear Blood, at the awards festival ceremony. “The festival is a platform for Christian related films. Movies are becoming tools for churches to share the Gospel and to help Christians grow in their spiritual walk,” said Patrick Nkusi, one of the festival attendees. Across section of people who took part in the 5th edition of the Rwanda Christian Festival. Winners in the respective categories; Best Music Video Urakwiriye Gushimwa by Aimé Uwimana (Rwanda) Best Short Film Caught Up by Emanuel Amimo (Kenya) Best Feature Film Ikigeragezo cyUbuzima by Aline Gahongayire and Willy Ndahiro (Rwanda) Best Film Director Ikigeragezo cyubuzima by Patrick Kamanzi (Rwanda) Best Sponsor Hilltop Hotel The event attracted Christians from all age groups and walks of life. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Winners of 2016 RCF Awards unveiled