For one day, everything goes wrong — and Rwandan cinema has never felt this tense. NIYITEGEKA Gratien, widely known as Papa Sava, steps out of his comedic persona to deliver What a Day, a drama-thriller that grips audiences from the first scene and marks a bold evolution in his career.

Produced by ZACU Entertainment and written by Iriniga Deny and directed by Gratien NIYITEGEKA, the 90-minute feature stars Gratien NIYITEGEKA as Motari Egide, alongside Uwabeza Leocadie, Bahati Xavier, Kayirangwa Alice, and Enos NDAYIRAMYA. The film blends psychological tension with everyday realities, exploring how a single day — and one decision — can spiral into chaos.

A story that hooks from the start

The film follows Egide, a struggling motorcycle taxi rider, whose attempt to steal a client’s bag sets off a series of escalating troubles. From discovering a shocking secret inside the bag to a child’s accidental death, and his wife’s self-defense killing of their landlord, the day spins completely out of control.

The story hooks immediately, opening with domestic tension that foreshadows the chaos to come. Darkly comic moments, such as Egide’s repeated failed attempts to dispose of the mysterious bag, provide levity without undermining the suspense. Themes of moral ambiguity, accountability, and the unpredictability of life make the narrative both relatable and compelling.

Papa Sava and Alice Kayirangwa (Naomi: Motari Egide’s wife)

Performances that feel real

Gratien NIYITEGEKA delivers a tense, layered, and emotionally nuanced performance, embodying a morally conflicted character with subtle humor and depth. Supporting actors complement him effectively, many of them new to feature films. Uwabeza Leocadie stands out as the antagonist, delivering a compelling and believable portrayal. Across the cast, the performances feel lived-in — the actors don’t just act, they inhabit their roles.

Technical craft and cinematic strength

Cinematography captures both intimate and chaotic moments with clarity, while editing maintains a brisk pace that sustains tension and engagement. Sound design and musical scoring enhance the drama, emphasizing suspenseful beats and emotional moments. Notable stunts, including motorcycle sequences and the landlord’s scenes, are executed convincingly, adding realism without overshadowing the story.

What a day team(actors and technical crew)

Audience reaction and engagement

At the premiere, the audience was fully absorbed. Laughter, gasps, and murmurs punctuated the film’s tension and comic relief. One particularly vivid moment came at the ending: viewers leaned forward, eager to see what happens next. The film concluded at the perfect narrative point — leaving curiosity unresolved and sparking reflection, discussion, and engagement.

Themes and universality

What a Day examines the fragility of daily life, moral responsibility, and the consequences of seemingly small decisions. While set in Rwanda, its core message is universal: a single day can change everything. With its layered storytelling, strong performances, and psychologically complex narrative, the film demonstrates how Rwandan cinema is moving beyond comedy and light drama and has the craft and depth to resonate with audiences internationally, making it a strong contender for film festivals abroad.

What a Day is a must-watch. It combines gripping storytelling, authentic performances, and polished technical execution to deliver a cinematic experience that is immersive, thought-provoking, and emotionally engaging.

Gratien NIYITEGEKA proves his versatility, stepping into drama with confidence, while the film exemplifies the growing sophistication of Rwandan cinema.

Essential film info
Title: What a Day
Genre: Drama / Thriller
Lead Actor: Gratien NIYITEGEKA
Director: Gratien NIYITEGEKA
Writer: Iriniga Deny
Production: ZACU Entertainment