A 10-day intensive film workshop, in which Rwanda’s film directors were trained on script writing and directing, concluded on Thursday.

(R) Dr. Peter Stephan Director, Goethe Institute gives certificates to the participants. The New Times / Andrew Israel Kazibwe.

The workshop was organised by Almond Tree Films in partnership with Goethe-Institut and held at the Goethe Institut’s offices in Kacyiru.

The event was conducted by Kivu Ruhorahoza, a renowned Rwandan film director and it attracted at least 23 young film directors from the country’s growing film industry.

In his keynote address during the official closing ceremony, the Goethe Institut’s Director, Dr. Peter Stephan, congratulated participants and thanked the film experts for their continued resolve in working with partners to improve the country’s film industry. He commended the organizers for making the event successful.

“We don’t have many film makers within Rwanda’s film industry, and we need more,” said John Kwezi, Almond tree Films’ managing Director.

Ten of the participants’ best short films are to be selected to be shot with help from Almond Tree Films-Rwanda. The selection for the best participants will be in November before shooting of the films in early January next year.

“At the beginning most of the scripts were weak but towards the end most are in good shape. They have the passion, experience and a larger network so far and we hope that Almond Tree films gets the necessary potential to put the scripts to a final piece of a film,” said Ruhorahoza.

Dr. Peter urged the young film directors to work hard, develop professional curiosity, be knowledgeable and observe better about daily life of the society.

“The workshop was really nice, so educative and productive but it lasted for a short time. We had so much to learn but in a little time,” observed Mukunzi Moise.

“It being my second, I’ve enjoyed it better. Kivu is one of the most respected film maker in Rwanda and our experience with him has given us good knowledge on acting, directing, script writing and much more,” said Poupoune Sesonga.

“We are very ambitious and inspired by other successful film makers here in Rwanda. We are grateful to the organizers; we had all equipment that we needed and we had a good mentor; who  encouraged us not only to make film at national level, but aim for the international level too,” Herve Tuyishime

The ceremony ended with a dinner which ended at 8:45pm.

By Andrew Israel Kazibwe, The New Times