Not every actor enters the industry with a lifelong dream of being on screen. For Saranda Olive Umutoni, acting began as a simple act of helping a friend. A few years later, that unexpected decision evolved into a career that has established her as one of Rwanda’s versatile young actresses.

From productions such as The Secret, Maya, Indoto, Behind, and Bridge of Christmas to the recently released series Back Stage, Saranda has steadily built a name for herself through discipline, growth, and a willingness to embrace new challenges.

Speaking to Cinemag, Saranda revealed that acting was never part of her original plans.

"I never thought about acting. I was simply helping a friend who was working on a film and wanted to see how it would go. That’s how I joined the cinema industry."

What began as a simple favor soon developed into a passion and, eventually, a career.

Like many newcomers, Saranda’s first experience on set was far from comfortable. Surrounded by cameras, lights, and an unfamiliar working environment, she found herself nervous and unsure. With time, however, she gained confidence and began to understand the craft she had unexpectedly stepped into.

One of the moments she remembers most vividly was realizing that audiences were connecting with her work.

"When people started recognizing me and telling me they enjoyed my performances, I was surprised and touched. I never expected that."

As her profile grew, so did the challenges that came with recognition. Saranda acknowledges that fame can sometimes change people, but she credits mentors and friends, particularly Eric Ngabikwiye and Yves Mizero, for helping her stay grounded throughout her journey.

Finding her place as an actress

Since making her debut in 2020, Saranda has evolved into an actress known for her versatility. While many viewers first came to know her through serious roles, particularly in Indoto, she has continued to challenge herself by taking on characters that differ greatly from her own personality.

From dramatic performances to lighter and more unconventional roles, she has demonstrated a range that allows her to move comfortably between genres. It is this adaptability that has helped her establish herself as one of the promising young talents in Rwanda’s growing film industry.

Among her favorite projects are Behind and Bridge of Christmas, two productions she says pushed her creatively.

"In Bridge of Christmas, I played Anny, a crazy girl, while people often see me as a serious person. I enjoy playing characters that are different from who I am because that’s when I feel like I’m truly acting."

For Saranda, stepping outside her comfort zone is one of the most rewarding aspects of acting. The more challenging the role, the greater the opportunity to learn and grow as a performer.

Beyond the screen

While acting remains at the heart of her career, Saranda’s ambitions extend far beyond film.

Alongside her acting career, she has remained committed to personal growth and education, a value that continues to shape her journey both on and off the screen.

Beyond acting, Saranda has expanded her impact through poetry, youth advocacy, and leadership. She is the founder of TheraPoetry, an initiative that promotes healing, mental wellness, and youth empowerment through the arts, and currently serves as the National Coordinator in Rwanda for the African Union International Centre for Girls’ and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA).

She is also the founder of the Gentle Reminders Series, through which she shares messages of encouragement, resilience, healing, and personal growth with audiences across Africa and beyond. Her work has earned recognition across the continent, including being named among the 100 Distinguished African Leaders in 2026 and receiving recognition from She Rises Africa – Kigali Connect 2026 for her commitment to leadership and community impact.

Whether on screen, through poetry, or in community initiatives, Saranda sees storytelling as a powerful tool for healing, empowerment, and change.

New projects

While her influence continues to grow beyond the screen, acting remains a central part of her journey.

Her latest appearance comes in Back Stage, the recently released ZACU TV series that sees her take on a role unlike those audiences may have come to expect.

For Saranda, however, Back Stage is more than just another project. The series was filmed during one of the most challenging periods of her personal life, making it a production she will always carry with her.

"Back Stage is a very special project for me. It was filmed at a time when my mother was sick. Every morning I would go to set, and in the evening I would go to the hospital. Because of that, this project carries a lot of memories and meaning for me."

The experience has made the series one of the most memorable chapters of her career so far.

According to Saranda, Back Stage allows audiences to see a different side of her as an actress, continuing her commitment to taking on roles that challenge expectations and showcase her versatility.

She also revealed that she has completed filming for another upcoming series titled Ibishoboka Byose. However, she chose not to share further details, noting that the project remains in production.

As her career continues to evolve, Saranda’s ambitions are becoming even bigger. One of her long-term goals is to produce her own film, adding filmmaking to the list of creative avenues she hopes to explore.

Despite the milestones she has achieved, she believes the principle behind her success remains simple.

"Whatever you do without discipline, you won’t succeed."

It is a lesson she applies not only to acting, but to every aspect of her life.

From an unexpected introduction to acting to becoming an actress, poet, youth advocate, and leader, Saranda’s journey continues to unfold in ways she never imagined when she first stepped onto a film set. As she takes on new roles, expands her influence beyond the screen, and works toward her future ambitions, one thing remains constant: her commitment to growth, purpose, and discipline.