Mashariki Film Festival draws criticism as Clapton Kibonge slams awards

The Mashariki African Film Festival celebrated outstanding actors and filmmakers during its awards ceremony held Serena Hotel on Saturday, November 29. Despite the festival’s overall success, the awards ceremony experienced notable hiccups. Popular actor Clapton Kibonge expressed dissatisfaction with the organisation—particularly the People’s Choice Awards which went to Djalia Mukayizeri (Kecapu) and Ramadhan Benimana (Bamenya). The duo, who both play starring roles in famous Bamenya Series, were each awarded a car valued at Rwf 13 million. ALSO READ: Bamenya Series stars land People’s Choice awards at Mashariki Film Festival Kibonke questioned how some contestants managed to accumulate massive votes in the final hours after trailing for weeks. “There’s no way someone gets over 10,000 votes in a single day when we’ve been in the competition for a month,” he said. “How can you go an entire month with almost no votes, then suddenly jump to the top in the final day? Winning this competition doesn’t necessarily mean you’re the people’s choice, it simply shows you have the money to compete,” said Clapton. Gratien Niyitegeka, commonly known for his famous online series ‘Papa Sava’ echoed Kibonge’s argument, suggesting that the organisers should be the ones to pick People’s Choice award winner rather than let actors ask their fans for money to vote for them. “Our fans made us who we are today, we shouldn’t go back asking them to spend money to vote us so that we win a car,” Papa Sava said. Despite the claims, organisers made it clear that actors were briefed on the voting process for the People’s Choice award winners and not any contestant objected about it. “Before voting started, we had a meeting with all contestants involved and everyone signed to agree on terms of the awards,” said one of the organisers. Who won what? This 2025 Mashariki African Film Festival wrapped up after a series of nationwide roadshows featuring more than 150 actors and filmmakers. It also renewed interest in East African cinema through masterclasses and film market Masharket. A fully packed Serena Hotel hall welcomed nominees with cheers as they walked the red carpet, greeted by fans and industry peers. The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Minister of State for Youth and Arts Sandrine Umutoni, Brazilian envoy to Rwanda Irene Vida Gala, and Musanze District Mayor Claudien Nsengimana, among others. “Tonight’s ceremony symbolizes the courage and imagination of creators who transform vision into art. Thank you for carrying our voices, our heritage, our dreams, our dignity, and our purpose,” Umutoni said. Umutoni also highlighted the newly introduced Golden Award of Iziwacu, describing it as a major step toward elevating homegrown talent and further amplifying Rwandan cinema on the international stage. Among the standout winners was Yves Mizero, who took home two awards for Best Director and Best TV Series. Mizero told The New Times that the recognition motivates filmmakers to continue pushing creative boundaries. “We have been working hard to bring a fresh perspective to Rwandan filmmaking—from the way we write our scripts to the acting. It is truly rewarding to see the impact of this creative revolution,” he said. “This is just the beginning.” Here are MAFF 2025 standout filmmakers: Iziwacu Best TV Series: Hurts Harder By Yves Mizero Best Web Series: The Devil By Killerman Best Actress: Antoinette Uwamahoro Best Actor: Rongin Irunga Best Director: Yves Mizero Life Time Achievement Award Men: Gratien Niyitegeka alias Papa Sava Women: Joselyne Zaninka Iziwacu Best DOP: Louis Udahemuka Best Short Film: My Insight By Israel Dusabimana Best Make Up: Abdoulkarim Usanzineza Best Costume Designer: Aldha Mutegwaraba Best Script Writer: Mutiganda Wa Nkunda Best Editor: Olivier Akimana Best Gaffer: Vincent Afrika Maniraguha Best Supporting Actor: Jean Bosco Uwihoreye Best Supporting Actress: Alice Kayitesi Best Upcoming Actress: Joanitha Mumararumgu Best Set Production Designer: Emmanuel Mugwaneza Best Visual Effect Film: Incubation By Dues Best House Media Partner: Chita Magic Best Sound Engineer: Aboubakar Ngabonziza Best Feature Film: Ibyahishuwe By Roger Niyoyita Best Upcoming Actor: Abdoulkarim Mwitende

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Mashariki Film Festival draws criticism as Clapton Kibonge slams awards