Entertainment: Local theatre set for Hollywood

Gone are the days when Rwanda’s entertainment industry referred to music only. Movie acting has slowly been added to local showbiz though. Films started here in early 2000’s with several documentaries on the genocide, to let the world know more about the 1994 tragedy. Many Hollywood movies were also shot from Rwanda, at around the same time. Don Cheadle’s Hotel Rwanda and ‘Academy Award’ nominee ‘God Sleeps in Rwanda’ by Kimberlee Acquaro and Stacy Sherman, are among the popular Rwanda-Hollywood films.Some lucky locals who acted alongside the Hollywood crew, like Simo Magwaza had this opportunity to gain a starting experience. They are yet to continue from that foundation though. Rwandan theatre traces its roots in poor stage skits and unfunny comedy. It has slowly grown from awful to promising; thanks to persons like Eric Kabera who strive to promote it. Actor and producer Kabera started the “Rwanda Cinema Centre” to train new film makers. He had worked on a number of documentary projects before, all about the 1994 genocide. The 41 year-old also produced or co-produced the 2004 feature film ‘Keepers of Memory’, 2008, documentary ‘Iseta: Behind the Roadblock’ and ‘100 days’. He also starred in the latter. His “Rwandan Cinema Centre” has grown famous for organizing the annual ‘Rwandan Film Festival’ events, commonly known as ‘Hillywood’.Edouardo Bamporiki of the award winning ‘Long Coat’ and actress Ruth Nirere (Shanel), have been recognized internationally on several occasions. They are among the few who promoted local theatre. Of recent, budding talents have been exposed to different opportunities, which could usher them to international fame. Rwandan youngsters, Roger Nsengiyunva and Eriya Ndayambaje are among the many with tales to tell about such opportunities. They passed auditions and starred in last year’s impressive ‘Africa Unite’ movie. The picture, sound and skill in local productions have improved dramatically. Even the productions of local ‘Ibigeragyezo By’ubuzima’ films are far better than some Nollywood (Nigerian) releases. Recent movies have also diversified from genocide stories to romance and fair comedy. This industry that grows every night and day perhaps requires more support and trust of the local fans to register more achievements- this time on the international view. Ends