Rwandan films are making their way to international festivals, but getting those same films in front of audiences at home remains a challenge. People hear about films being selected for festivals or winning awards, yet many never get the chance to watch them on a cinema screen.

Cinema N’ The Hood hopes to address this by bringing Rwandan films to local audiences twice a month, starting with its launch at Ciné Mayaka on Friday, October 16. Each screening will give audiences a chance to watch a local film and speak directly with the people who made it.

The initiative is designed to connect filmmakers with the communities whose stories they tell, giving audiences in Kigali more chances to discover local films and engage with the people behind them.

More than a screening

Each event will feature a local film followed by an open question-and-answer session with the filmmaker. After the screening, attendees can continue the evening with an informal gathering in Kigali’s Car-Free Zone, known locally as mu marangi. Organised in partnership with local shops, these gatherings will give people space to meet, talk and connect.

During its first year, the team hopes to build a regular audience for Rwandan films and showcase a wider variety of stories being told in the country. Supporting local businesses through these community events is also part of the plan.

Cinema N’ The Hood is also inviting Rwandan filmmakers to submit their work for consideration at future screenings. The team is looking for films that can spark discussion, connect with local audiences and bring different Rwandan voices and experiences to the screen. Directors and producers interested in having their work shown are encouraged to get in touch.

Serge Girishya’s Abahatari to premiere at launch

The launch programme will feature the world premiere of Abahatari, a short documentary web series produced by Rebaframe Studios and directed by Serge Girishya.

The series explores contemporary Rwandan urban culture through fashion, music, visual design and extreme sports. Its first season features musician Ariel Wayz, Bob the rider, Khalil and creative Yanick Lii.

Audiences will also get to watch three of Girishya’s other works: Marita, Duty and Dark Shujaa. The screenings will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the director.

Rwandan cinema needs its audience, too

Rwandan cinema has come a long way, and the films being made deserve audiences at home, too. International recognition matters, but so does having people in Rwanda show up for these films. Local audiences deserve the chance to experience the stories being told by their own filmmakers, rather than only hearing about them after they have travelled abroad.

For anyone who has heard about Rwandan films screening at festivals or winning awards but hasn’t had the chance to watch them, Cinema N’ The Hood is a chance to start.

The launch takes place on Friday, October 16, at Ciné Mayaka. Tickets can be reserved through the links in the Instagram bios of Ciné Mayaka and Imitana productions. https://instagram.com/cine_mayaka_b..., https://instagram.com/imitana_produ....

Rwandan filmmakers who want their work considered for future screenings are also encouraged to contact the Cinema N’ The Hood team.