Rwanda is one of the poorest countries in the world, ravaged by genocide, famine and AIDS. But at the same time, its people have a strong cultural commitment. Right now the Rwanda Cinema Center and the Swedish Institute are collaborating in a film production program.

During November, a workshop was held for 20 young Rwandan film workers with the aim of raising the existing level of cinematic skills in the country. Rwanda has comparatively extensive production of films, but they are largely being made by teams from other countries. 

 

Film directors Martin Widerberg and Goran Kapetanovic from Sweden planned the training program together with colleagues at the Rwanda Cinema Center. After the program was completed, four short films were produced by the students and will premiere at the Rwanda Film Festival in March 2006.  Sweden’s Göteborg Film Festival Film Fund has contributed technical resources to the Rwanda Cinema Center.

 

Martin Widerberg shares his experiences from Rwanda. “I felt it was a privilege to be able to place this extremely powerful narrative tool in the hands of these students. They all have incredibly strong stories to tell. The training program is helping them turn their scripts into reality.”

 

 His colleague Goran Kapetanovic adds, “Aided by their enthusiasm and energy, the students have already succeeded in doing something that is actually impossible: learning an enormous amount in a short time, then applying this knowledge to real film production.” 

 

We are proud to announce that the project will continue in November and December 2007.