The inaugural Rwanda International Movie Awards (RIMA), winners are here. It was a night of memorable moments and glamour as Rwandan film producers and actors dominated the awards. The stars pulled out all the stops and sparkles for the red carpet event last weekend, March 7, sporting stunning looks that exemplified glamour at Kigali Convention Centre. Local and international film producers and actors were ushered into prime front row seats amidst deafening applause from their excited fans who turned up in large numbers for the event. The ceremony started at exactly 8.30, after medical screeners checked revelers at entry points amid the continued drive to prevent coronavirus from spreading. The annual event is organised by Ishusho Arts, a local organisation that focuses on cinema activities – and it was created in August 2011. According to Jackson Mucyo, the CEO of Ishyo Arts, the awards are aimed at honouring and promoting excellence in the African movie industry as well as uniting the African continent through arts and culture. This year saw Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Kenya, Burundi and India among the countries participating in the competition. A minute of silence was observed to pay tribute to celebrated Rwandan film actor and director Denis Nsanzamahoro, who passed on in September last year. Of the 16 prizes which were up for grabs, 12 went to Rwandan filmmakers. See the complete list of winners below: Local Film competition Best Documentary National – ‘Ikirezi’ by Eric Ngabikwiye Short Film – ‘Luna’ by Bora Shingiro Best Feature Film – ‘Shady Commitment’ by Kirenga Saphine Supporting Actor – Rengero Norbert (Papa Sava Series) Supporting Actress – Aline Munezero (Bamenya Series) Best TV Series – ‘Seburikoko’ directed by Gratien Niyitegeka Best Web Series – ‘Bamenya Series’ directed by Benimana Ramadhan Best Actor – Isaiah Kalinda (in Gitera) Best Actress of the Year – Saphine Kirenga (Shaddy Commitment) Peoples Choice Actor of the Year – Gratien Niyitegeka (Papa Sava & Seburikoko) Peoples Choice Actress of the Year - Beatha Mukakamanzi (City Maid) International film competition Best Documentary – ‘Wamburanye Iki’ by Felix Kamanzi (Rwanda) Short Film – ‘Mukami’ by Eastmond Mwenda Best Feature Film – ‘Kundjabdulla of Love’ by Shanu Samad (India) Best International Actor – George Mo (Kenya) Best Actress International – Nasima Ronah (Uganda).
