Over the past few years, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s success stories.Politically, economically and socially Rwanda has made reforms that have seen it emerge from the devastation caused by the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsis, to become a leading destination for tourists and investors.Arts and Culture The richness of Rwanda’s culture including its visual arts, performing arts, poetry and lifestyle is incredibly diverse for a people that speak one language and occupy a small country in the heart of Africa. The country’s historical and cultural sites, cultural spaces and festivals have recently been given more attention and support regionally and globally as Rwandans find various ways to express the uniqueness of their country and its people.Among the featured cultural festivals on the Rwandan calendar are the Pan African Dance Festival (FESPAD), the Ingoma Nshya Drum Festival, and the Rwanda Film Festival. These events bring local, regional and international participants and enthusiasts together to create unique and memorable experiences. The festivals also foster an environment for young Rwandans to learn from others in their creative fields as well as to create unique performances and films produced by Rwandans.Steve Terill, a journalist with Los Angeles Times, acknowledges the effort Rwandan artists have made: “Seventeen years after the Genocide there is a palpable sense of renewal in Rwanda. The country’s artistes; writers, directors and actors are telling their own stories on their own terms”. “Rwanda is trying to become Hillywood and filmmakers hope to have a place in the international film spectrum that is shaking up the developing world with India’s Bollywood rivalling Hollywood and Nigeria’s Nollywood trying to catch up,” Terill says.Film IndustryAccording to President Paul Kagame, the story of Rwandan film is essentially the story of Rwanda itself. It is an industry that literally started with nothing but it has now grown through creativity, vision, collaboration, and partnership. The Rwanda Film Festival is an exceptional event that brings the art of cinema and an appreciation of film to local communities, film students, enthusiastic film goers, and to the leadership of the country.Rwanda’s Minister of Sports and Culture Protais Mitali, understands the importance of cinema: “Art and culture is one of the elements that binds Rwanda all together; one land, one language one culture and this is our identity and cinema is one of the strongest tools to portray that.”“…we are embarking on this journey of providing and laying a foundation for a better future for our country and our continent. On this note, we invite everyone to come and visit the land of ‘A Thousand Hills’ commonly known in the film industry as Hillywood,” Mitali during the Rwanda Film Festival, last year. Eric Kabera, founder of the Rwanda Film Festival and KWETU Film Institute, told the Los Angeles Times, “Rwanda Film Festival stands out on the African continent and internationally. When kids see giant inflatable screen blow up in the hills of Rwanda and the images projected on it, they feel both entertained and empowered.”Ishmael Ntihabose, producer of ‘Kinyarwanda’ movie, believes there are many stories to tell: “We need more ways to express ourselves. There is no shortage of stories waiting to be told in Rwanda and even the poorest people deserve to be heard and to tell their stories in their own words.”During her visit to Rwanda, mid last year, Hollywood actress Alfre Woodard saw a lot of potential: “It was really exciting working with the people in Rwanda because the industry is blossoming. The young people that we met don’t only want to write, they want to act, edit and produce. They are very aware of how each discipline fits together to create a film set.”A filmmaking destinationWith Majestic mountain ranges, countless rolling hills, beautiful savannah stretching out as far as the eye can see, cool deep lakes with lush green shores and probably among the cleanest capital cities on the continent, with the best views at sunset, Rwanda is a perfect destination for filmmakers making movies not only set in Rwanda but set in any other country.
