At a time when borders are slowly opening up across the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the exchange of ideas, experiences and culture becomes all the more precious and important.
The recently ended European Film Festival in Kigali, hosted by the Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda brought a rich influx of cinematic imagination to Rwandan screens.
The festival is part of the Autumn of Culture celebrated by the EU Delegation and EU Member States Embassies on a yearly basis in Rwanda to put culture at the heart of EU-Rwanda relationship and foster the links between the African and European continents.
The free entry, independent film festival garnered participation and interest from Rwanda’s artistic and cinema-loving communities with movies held at Kigali’s Century Cinema, the French Cultural Institute and Canal Olympia.
12 movies from across Europe and Africa were on show including two highly acclaimed Rwandan movies namely Neptune Frost, which premiered in Rwanda within the European Film Festival and Notre-Dame-Du-Nile.
The movie roster included movies exploring different topics such as immigration, women empowerment and human rights from many of the 27 EU Member States.
The Head of Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda, Ambassador Nicola Bellomo said; “The European Film Festival is organized by the EU and Member States as part of the European Autumn of Culture in Rwanda. This concept shows our joint EU effort to showcase EU culture, and cinema in particular, and to strengthen the role of culture in our bilateral relations.”
As part of the Festival and in partnership with Isonga Media and the French Cultural Institute (CCFR), the Delegation of the European Union to Rwanda hosted a 48 Hour Film Challenge and masterclass aimed at empowering the youth.
A carefully selected cohort of young filmmakers were taught on how to use mobile technology to deliver cinematic experiences with 48 hours to make short films. The films were showcased as part of the Film Festival.
Cultural exchange remains an important positive engagement avenue among peoples across the world. It emphasizes similarities among different cultures and at the same time celebrates diversity.
Moreover, cinematic exchange allows people to develop a better understanding of each other through a universally understood medium. Such is the value of the European Film festival to both Europe and Rwanda. It also serves as an opportunity to empower the youth and upcoming filmmakers. (End)