From an early age, Aline Amike was captivated by films that conveyed raw human emotion. This fascination fueled her desire to be part of the film industry, leading her to pursue acting as a means of storytelling. Her breakthrough came with ‘Father’s Day’, her first major acting role. Since then, she has actively sought out roles that challenge and inspire her. “I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in its different forms, from fashion to writing, and acting naturally became an extension of that,” Amike says. To date, Amike has starred in five films: Father’s Day—a deeply personal role that won her Best Actress at the Grand Canaria Film Festival; The Bride—a film exploring themes of love and sacrifice and Minimals in a Titanic World—a transformative experience, especially after seeing it premiere on the big screen at Berlinale film festival in Germany. Other films in which she played a starring role are Twin Lakes Haven (S)—a short film that tested her psychological depth; and Fight Like a Girl, where she acted alongside Ama Qamata, the lead actress in Netflix’s Blood & Water. ALSO READ: The Bride: Unveiling the painful reality of forced marriages through film “Each role has shaped me, opening up new perspectives and helping me grow as both an actress and a person,” she says. “All these experiences have connected me with fellow filmmakers and film enthusiasts, deepening my understanding of the craft.” Stepping into the lead role in ‘Minimals in a Titanic World’ Amike describes her experience playing the lead role in ‘Minimals in a Titanic World’—which premiered at Berlinale—as intense and deeply personal. “She’s a young woman navigating anger, grief, and artistic ambition. While I may not have lived in her exact environment, I resonate with her emotions,” she explains. To prepare, she immersed herself in Anita’s world by visiting bars in Nyabugogo and Kinamba, where her character dances. “Observing these spaces respectfully, without judgment, helped me connect with the people and their diverse motivations. It reinforced my belief that acting is about recognising our shared humanity while embracing the unique qualities that define each character.” In addition, she worked closely with director Philbert Aimé Mbabazi Sharangabo and incorporated movement techniques learned at the Berlinale Talents Acting Studio. Music also played a crucial role in her preparation. “I curated a playlist reflecting Anita’s interests, dreams, and background, adding layers of emotion to my portrayal.” Being part of Berlinale was an immense honour for Amike, not only for the film’s selection but also for the opportunity to engage with global filmmakers. “Berlinale is one of the most significant platforms for international cinema, and having a Rwandan film included is a huge achievement. It validates African filmmakers' work and proves that our stories resonate globally.” Influence of fashion, writing on acting Beyond acting, Amike is also a fashion designer and creative writer, both of which influence her approach to acting. ALSO READ: Upcoming fashion designer on beading her craft As the creative director of Amike Studio, she understands how clothing shapes identity. “Designing requires me to consider form, movement, and how attire influences a person’s presence. This directly translates to character development—how a character dresses affects their posture, interactions, and emotions.” Writing, on the other hand, refines her storytelling instincts and deepens her understanding of character psychology. “Both disciplines help me build characters from the inside out, making me approach roles with greater confidence and nuance.” Challenges in the Rwandan film industry Like many actors in Rwanda and Africa, Amike faces significant challenges, particularly regarding funding and distribution. “The lack of financial support makes it difficult for films to be made, and even those that are produced struggle to reach wider audiences. Additionally, the limited number of productions means finding consistent work as an actor is challenging.” To overcome these obstacles, she actively seeks international collaborations, participates in major film festivals like Berlinale, and stays connected with creatives pushing African storytelling forward. “Running Amike Studio has also reinforced my belief in creating opportunities rather than waiting for them.” Future aspirations, storytelling goals Amike is eager to explore complex, layered characters across various genres—psychological dramas, historical epics, and experimental films. “I want to play roles that challenge perceptions and open conversations. I also love infusing truth into comedy, using humour to reflect life while giving audiences a moment of relief.” Her goal is to be part of films that feel honest, provoke thought, and leave a lasting impact. Impact of Berlinale on her career Having attended Berlinale for four consecutive years since launching her acting career in 2021, Amike describes the experience as transformative. “It has connected me with potential collaborators, exposed me to films that fuel my dream of directing, and reinforced how storytelling transcends borders.” The festival has also taught her valuable lessons about filmmaking. “Berlinale is a space for exchanging ideas, proving that ambitious dreams can be realised even with limited resources. Seeing that even the most admired filmmakers have doubts about how their work will be received has given me confidence in my own journey.” As a perfectionist, Amike has learned to push forward despite self-doubt. “I’ve realised that doubt is part of the process, but taking risks and betting on myself is essential. Growth comes from fully embracing the journey.”
