A new website dedicated to showcasing Rwandan filmmakers’ production skills has been established in Kigali.Speaking at the unveiling of the website on Saturday evening, Leah Warshawski, an American filmmaker, said rwandafilm.org would enable local film makers professionalise the industry.“This new site will enable them improve their film making credentials, promote themselves in the international community, network with peers and help grow the country’s film industry,” said Warshawski.Rwandan property owners and managers will now be able to list schools, hotels, restaurants and other locations for rental at no cost before the website goes global in September.Rwandafilm.org was created in partnership with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Inflatable Films which Warshawski is the founder, and the Business Council for Peace.Warshawski said they were working with the Ministry of Sports and Culture and the Rwanda Development Board to transition the website to a Rwandan institution as early as next year.“Now we have a platform where we can connect and share ideas. As film makers, you will realise that you cannot always work alone,” said Richard Othieno, former head of corporate communications at the Ministry of the East African Community.Othieno added that the website will also act as a robust directory for Rwandan film makers and also enable people understand film making as a professional business which investors can have confidence in.The event was attended by several players in the industry.
