Making Film a Career

The 6th Rwanda Film Festival is underway this week. This year it is much bigger and better. It is a celebration of Rwandan talent and a showcase of our love and belief in our unique art. There is more to film than just entertainment. It is a whole industry that provides careers for both children and adults. For as long as filmmaking has existed children have been called upon to act. The result is children actors who have stood out because of their talent and success as film actors. Jaden Smith, launched his career when he played a magnificent role with his father Will Smith in the block buster movie, “In Pursuit of Happiness,” and most recently he was the main cast in 2010’s ‘Karate Kid.’ All movie lovers have probably watched ‘Slumdog Millionaire.’ The roles played by nine-year-old Rubina Ali, and ten-year-old Azharuddin Mohammed Ismail were the best. These two children actors have had a chance to travel across the world because of their incredible performance. Closer home in Rwanda, we too have opportunities to act and get involved within film making activities. All we have to do is have interest. The Rwanda Film Institute, part of the Rwanda Cinema Centre at Gacuriro is providing opportunities for Rwandan youth by giving them a chance to tell their stories through film. Rwanda Cinema Centre is calling upon dedicated youth to engage and learn filming and embrace the benefits that come with it. So for all growing celebrities with dreams to become actors or filmmakers, producers and directors fret not for the opportunity does exist. It is important that we take film as a possible professional career. Remember it takes hard work to make it in the film industry, just like in any other career. Ends