Rwandan filmmakers have called for more intentional, bold, and locally grounded storytelling to preserve the truth about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, warning that silence and reliance on external narratives risk distorting history. The call was made on April 10 during a panel discussion at the inaugural edition of Cine Kwibuka, a new cinema platform dedicated to remembrance through film. The panel brought together some of Rwanda’s leading filmmakers, including Eric Kabera, Kivu Ruhorahoza, and Dida Nibagwire. ALSO READ: Minister Umutoni urges creatives to defend Genocide truth Drawing from decades of experience, Kabera reflected on how genocide storytelling began in the immediate aftermath, when Rwanda’s narrative was largely shaped by foreign media. “I started as a fixer for international journalists—from BBC to CNN—and that’s how I developed an interest in telling our own stories,” Kabera said. This journey eventually led to the production of 100 Days, one of the earliest feature films about the genocide. He emphasized that film remains a powerful tool not only for documentation but also for education, calling for such works to be integrated into school curricula to help younger generations better understand the country’s history. “These are films that need to be brought into schools,” he said. “Making a film is like giving birth, and releasing it is a milestone. Our people need to learn from them.” Kivu Ruhorahoza, known for his introspective and layered storytelling style, noted that his films deliberately center Rwandan audiences. He often relies on subtlety and unspoken elements to reflect the country’s evolving relationship with its past. “My primary audience is Rwandans,” he said. “There are references and emotions that may not always be explicitly stated but are deeply understood within our context.” He added that Rwanda is still developing the language to fully express the magnitude of the genocide, describing it as agahomamunwa—an unspeakable tragedy. “For a long time, we were afraid of the words,” he said. “But we are becoming more articulate, and our films are opening up as our society does.” Dida Nibagwire also stressed the importance of using Kinyarwanda in storytelling, arguing that language carries emotional depth often lost in translation. “When you express yourself in your own language, you communicate your feelings more authentically,” she said. “We have been telling our stories in colonial languages, but it’s time to speak to ourselves first.” Beyond language, the discussion addressed the emotional and psychological toll of telling genocide-related stories. Nibagwire, who began her career as an actress, shared how portraying such trauma can be overwhelming. “These stories must be told, but they are heavy,” she said. “That’s why psychological support during production is essential—for both actors and creators.” Despite these challenges, the panelists agreed that storytelling remains a responsibility, particularly for younger generations. “Each generation has a mission,” Ruhorahoza said. “Ours is to tell these realities in all their forms and to create our own narratives.” The filmmakers also warned about the dangers of misinformation and the dominance of external narratives in shaping global perceptions of Rwanda. They urged creatives to actively produce and share authentic stories. “We have to flood the space with our stories—films, literature, even digital content,” Ruhorahoza said. “If we don’t, others will define us.” Kabera echoed this sentiment, noting that African stories remain underrepresented on global platforms and encouraging young filmmakers to rise to the challenge. “There is a great opportunity, but also a great responsibility,” he said. “We must create narratives that educate not only Rwandans, but the world.” While much of the discussion focused on genocide memory, the filmmakers also highlighted the importance of telling broader Rwandan stories—ones that reflect resilience, beauty, and everyday life. “Rwanda has much more to offer,” Kabera said. “Even as we remember, we can also show the beauty of who we are.”
