Iradukunda Nadine, widely known as Nadine Nana, entered Rwanda’s film industry unexpectedly and has since grown into a rare dual role as both an actress and emerging producer. First introduced to audiences as Sandra in Citymaid, she continues to shape her career in front of and behind the camera.

Her journey into acting began unexpectedly. Although she had always admired films, she never imagined herself becoming part of them.

“I’ve always liked movies, actors, and actresses, but I never thought I would become one. I just saw myself as a fan who loved everything about films,” she shared in an exclusive interview.

That perspective changed at the end of 2021, when she attended her first casting call without expectations. To her surprise, she was selected.

“I didn’t think I would be chosen, but I was. It felt surreal. I only fully believed it when I stepped onto set for the first time.”

That moment marked the beginning of her professional acting journey.

Early career and breakthrough

In 2022, Nadine Nana officially entered the Rwandan film industry with her debut in The Pact. Like many first experiences, it came with uncertainty and challenge.

“It was my first time acting, so everything felt challenging. I was learning everything from scratch,” she said.

Despite the difficulties, she continued to grow through projects such as 30 Days, Maya, Shuwadilu, and the web series Behind. Each role contributed to her development and helped establish her presence on screen.

Among her works, she highlights Behind as her personal favorite, followed closely by Citymaid.

Being cast in Citymaid remains one of the defining moments of her career.

“Citymaid is something I grew up watching. It gave many actors their breakthrough, so being part of it felt like a huge honor.”

She also credits inspiration to established actresses such as Nana Nadege and Alliah Cool, known for her role in Rwasa.

Growth beyond acting

Over time, Nana’s work on screen helped shape her identity as a versatile actress. However, her ambitions extended beyond acting alone.

In 2026, she took a new step by entering film production—a decision she says had always been part of her long-term vision.

“Even after I started acting, I always knew I wanted to produce. I just didn’t know when,” she explained.

For her, the move was both a personal challenge and a way to test her growth within the industry.

“I see people supporting other projects, so I wanted to see if they would support me too, and if they would love what I give them.”

Her first production, Stain (Icyasha), marked her entry into this new space. While the film itself represents a milestone in her career, Nana views it more as a contribution to the industry than a personal achievement.

“I wanted to put a brick on the Rwandan cinema industry. There are many talented people who need opportunities to show what they can do.”

Challenges and lessons

Transitioning into production introduced a completely different level of responsibility.

“As an actress, there’s always someone taking care of things for you. As a producer, I had to handle everything myself,” she said.

From planning and budgeting to managing unexpected delays, the experience demanded discipline, patience, and resilience.

“It’s a lot more responsibility compared to acting.”

Despite the pressure, she remained committed throughout the process.

“There were moments of fear, but I was mentally ready. I never reached a point where I wanted to quit.”

Through this experience, she gained a deeper understanding of time management, decision-making, and perseverance under pressure.

Looking ahead

Today, Nadine Nana continues to grow within Rwanda’s film industry as both an actress and emerging producer. While she acknowledges the uncertainty that comes with the journey, she remains focused on improvement rather than perfection.

“This stage is difficult. You can fail, and that’s scary. But I’m trying my best to do the best.”

Her journey reflects steady progress—shaped not by instant success, but by gradual growth and consistent effort.

From a young film enthusiast who once watched from the outside to an actress and now a producer, Nadine Nana represents a generation of creatives shaping Rwanda’s cinema through persistence and ambition.

Her focus remains simple: to keep growing, to keep creating, and to continue building her place in the industry—one step at a time.