A FEATURE FILM that showcases the struggles artists go through and who their talents benefit, ‘I Bwiza’ was premiered at Canal Olympia in Kigali last week. This film shows in detail the ways artists struggle to do their artworks and their talents benefit other people like their managers and leave them in uncertainity. The 115 minute film was written and directed by Clemence Nahimana and Emmanuel Nturanyenabo and was premiered on December 15, in a modern cinema room of Canal Olympia. Nahimana, the creator of this movie, told The New Times that any film is so hard and it takes a lot of energy from the idea, writing, acting, shooting, premiering and all. She added, “We are so happy to see that all the energy we put into this film, be it the visuals and sounds, the acting and everything was worth it all.” Emmanuel Nturanyenabo also known as Noah, the co-writer of ‘I Bwiza’ said, “We invested our energy and we managed to produce a good film in terms of quality images and message. We are so proud of the teamwork spirit of everyone who contributed to the making of the film.” I Bwiza is a film about Gatoni Maya, a 23-year-old brave girl whose goal is to fulfill her deceased fathers dream of making a living through arts. Together with her co-workers in an art collective named I Bwiza, she fought against injustice artists face by confronting Myasiro, the owner of the company that sells their artworks and never shares the profits with them. This movie took 2 years to get to the final results. It was funded by Imbuto Foundation, Ministry of Youth and Culture, UNDP in 2020, via the cultural and creative industry affected by the Coronavirus (Cultural and Creative industry Recovery Fund), Business Professionals Network (BPN) and Mashariki African film Festival. The film also highlights the beauty of Rwanda, the role of youth and women in development. The premier was attended by François Nyangezi, a delegate of Rwanda Ministry of Youth and Culture, film enthusiasts filmmakers like Mutiganda wa Nkunda who recently won the Best Script Award at FESPACO, so many Rwandan movie actors and actresses as well. Nyangezi expressed how proud he was over the beauty and message in the film. “This is such an amazing piece and we are glad that it shows how artists can fight for their rights. As the incharges, we are planning for a sustainable way to help artists generate income from their artworks and make a living from their talents in a more sustainable way and soon it will be launched.” Nyangezi declared. One of the best Rwandan cinema performers, who also acts in this movie, Joseline Zaninka best known as Maman Zulu, in an interview with The New Times, congratulated Nahimana for thinking of this project since it contains the truth behind artists life. She urges the fellow actors and actresses to know their worth, “I Bwiza is the reality of artists’ daily life. We know that we do amazing jobs, but seeing how some of us can’t financially afford some basic needs is such a sad reality. We really need to learn how to fight for the best we truly deserve and know our full worth.” The starring character in this movie, Christmas Ruth Kanoheli who is one of the Rwandan female producers, told this publication that though this is the first movie she acted in, she is getting positive feedback from the people who have watched it. This is such an encouraging aspect. She delivered a message to the managers who mistreat artists and use their talents in their own interests, “We are so grateful to the ones who support artists and help them to elevate. It is so good that you are doing great to support them, but again it is so sad when it comes to some who mistreat them. Please remember that their talents are their wealth as well. Allow them to harvest their gifts.” Speaking to tis publication, Gilbert Sibomana from One Hundred Pixel, the production house that worked on this film, shared some challenges they experienced while working on this project. “The time was so limited with the Covid-19 pandemic and curfews. At some point we couldnt deliver the best we wanted to, but we really tried all we could to give all we had and we are so glad that more feedback came out positive.” Following its national premiere, the film I BWIZA continues its journey to participate in other film festivals around the world that screen African films since it is telling artists related stories, not only in Rwanda but also worldwide. Clemence Nahimana, best known as Feu Rouge, the movie owner & writer. Emmanuel Nturanyenabo, also known as Noah, the movie co-writer. Christmas Ruth Kanoheli, the starring character who acted as Gatoni Maya. Gilbert Sibomana, the movie producer from One Hundred Pixel. Joseline Zaninka, best known as Maman Zulu. She also acted in I Bwiza feature film. François Nyangezi from Ministry of Youth & Culture.
