Four years ago, for the first time in Rwanda, the dubbing and movie translation sector known locally as ‘Agasobanuye’ saw a female trailblazer in the male-dominated field that has come of age in the past two decades. 25-year-old Ariane Mukantwari, is known by many names, each representing a chapter in her remarkable story of breaking barriers and challenging norms. She is known by various aliases including ‘Buringanire’, ‘Unique’, ‘Ndabaga w’I Rwanda’, and Derectirise Wagasobanuye. Mukantwari has carved her path in the world of movie dubbing, defying societal expectations and paving the way for other women to follow. ALSO READ: Dubbing and music: The two sides of Junior Giti The New Times spoke with her and below are some of her first take, visions and more. Excerpts: How did your journey into film interpretation begin, and what inspired you to enter the predominantly male profession? I joined because I didn’t see any females in the field back in 2020. I thought, why not give it a try and see if I can succeed, despite having many doubts. I was inspired by Dashim’s words [a journalist and host of a well-known educational-motivational radio program]. He often said, “do what many people don’t do,” which triggered my decision to start my journey. Initially, I didn’t start from home. I first worked with a dubber called Didier, a neighbour here in Gatsata. He gave me basic skills for almost a week and thereafter, I realised why you cannot find many girls in it. It is not our thing. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced and how did you overcome them? Initially, I didn't grasp the essence of movie translation. But he [Didier] told me that if I did it well, he would release it [Translated movie] and distribute it everywhere for me, which didn't happen at the time. I tried, but I was shivering and my voice was too low and I decided to give up for a while. Didier asked, “How can you start something and quit when you’re the trailblazer?” The statement stuck with me and made me reconsider, reminding me that ‘I should do something others haven’t done yet. Why not try again and see the results? I began with a Korean movie called “Born Again.” As I worked on it, I felt as though I belonged to the group of ‘born again people,’ experiencing something new in Rwanda for the first time. I have since translated movies such as ‘Believe’, ‘Missing Nine’, ‘The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window’, ‘Promised land’, ‘He’s Into Her’, ‘Fatal Affair’ and more. How has your journey been like? There’s a difference between my starting point and where I am now. I used to hang out at the DJ’s shop, occasionally being offered a movie to dub, which was quite boring. I wondered what I can do to make viewers pay attention. I gave myself motivation and morale. So far so good and I’ve been able to secure a gig on Tv [Yongwe Tv] which broadcasts them. It is a good step but challenges are still there – clients sometimes cannot get them anywhere, DJs delete them. Even though I have been on the scene for four years now, people still do not believe in a female movie dubber's potential. I want to establish a free website where everyone will access my movies and it is coming in a few days. I have no judgement towards my male colleagues. They have helped me in small and big ways. I started with no skills at all. I knew nothing. They taught me how to set equipment, microphone, how to download movies and applications they use. They have been so helpful to me. Could you share any advice to other girls aspiring to enter similar professions, especially in industries where women are underrepresented? I didn't quit the profession, a good example that you shouldn’t quit something you started and with the support women get in this country, girls can be successful anywhere. Anyone coming after me will say, “I will be like Ndabaga,” or anyone doubting themselves will find the path smooth with no challenges in the field. What milestones have you achieved so far in your career? I’m still working on it. If I had earned a lot of money, I would have already set up my own large studio, just like my colleagues, it’s work in progress. When my movies are broadcasted, many people are surprised to hear a female dubber. I will continue to provide fans with what they want and all that they desire. I’m here to make them happy, and there are still many good things to come.
