Minister of State for Youth and Arts, Sandrine Umutoni, has called on young people to actively safeguard the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, emphasizing remembrance as a vital tool for building a more united and informed future. Umutoni made the remarks on Friday, April 10, during the inaugural edition of Cine Kwibuka, a new cinema platform dedicated to remembrance and reflection through film. Held at Canal Olympia Rebero, the event featured screenings of two documentary films: Reclaiming History – Colonial Roots of the Genocide in Rwanda, by Rwandan filmmaker Samuel Ishimwe and co-directed by Matthias Frickel; and Things We Don’t Say, by London-based Rwandan filmmaker Ornella Mutoni. ALSO READ: PM Nsengiyumva urges unity at Genocide commemoration in Ngororero The event also brought together prominent figures from Rwanda’s film industry, including Eric Kabera, Emmanuel Mugisha, and Kivu Ruhorahoza, among others. Addressing the audience, Umutoni underscored the significance of the Kwibuka period as a time to honour victims, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reflect on a shared national responsibility. “During Kwibuka, we honour the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, stand in solidarity with survivors, and reflect on the responsibility we must carry forward,” she said. She noted that the featured films highlighted two key realities: the genocide’s roots in a long history of division and distortion, and its enduring impact across generations. “Remembrance is never passive,” Umutoni said. “It is a conscious choice to face the truth, preserve it with integrity, and act on it.” Highlighting the role of cinema, she described film as a powerful medium that goes beyond storytelling. “It is a bridge between generations, a space for dialogue, and a tool to protect memory and humanity,” she said. Her message resonated particularly with young people—especially those born after 1994—who she urged to view history not as a burden, but as a responsibility. “This history is your inheritance. It is your duty to seek the truth, protect it, and build a future grounded in unity and dignity,” she added. Umutoni also warned against the persistence of genocide denial and distortion, stressing the importance of platforms like Cine Kwibuka in preserving historical truth. “As we leave, let us do so with purpose—to stand against division and refuse silence,” she said. “We must always take responsibility to name injustice, reject it, and ensure it never becomes normal.
