A Historic Step for Rwanda’s Cinematic Journey
On August 11, 2025, Rwanda took a monumental step in its cinematic journey with the formation of its first-ever Oscars Selection Committee (ROSC). This committee, composed of 15 distinguished professionals, is tasked with selecting a film that can represent the nation in the International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. The initiative was established by the Ministry of Youth and Arts in alignment with the regulations set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS), marking Rwanda’s official entry into the global Oscars process.
The primary objective of the ROSC is to ensure a fair, transparent, and artistically rigorous selection process that identifies the film best suited to carry Rwanda’s voice onto the world stage. This move is seen as a pivotal opportunity for Rwanda’s creative economy, aligning with the nation’s strategy to elevate its cinematic presence globally.
Growth of Rwanda’s Film Industry
The timing of this development could not be more significant. In recent years, Rwanda’s film industry has experienced rapid growth, with local talent earning recognition at prestigious film festivals across Africa and beyond. The selected films will serve as a reflection of Rwanda’s artistic vision, cultural heritage, and storytelling uniqueness. This initiative underscores the country's commitment to showcasing its rich narrative traditions on an international platform.
Key Members of the ROSC
The committee is led by Marie-France Niragire, who serves as Chairperson of the Rwanda Arts Council and also chairs the ROSC. With extensive experience in film and television production, screenwriting, and directing, she has made significant contributions to Rwanda’s creative sector. As a recognized actress, filmmaker, and producer, she has gained national recognition through lead roles in popular movies like Urudasanzwe and Inzozi. She is also a strong advocate for women in film, supporting emerging creatives while promoting film as a meaningful medium for education, healing, and transformation.
Another key member is Hope Azeda, a renowned playwright, theatre director, and founder of Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company. She has served as casting director for acclaimed films such as Sometimes in April, Shake Hands with the Devil, and Our Lady of the Nile. Hope is the founder and curator of the Ubumuntu Arts Festival and a fellow of the Africa Leadership Initiative. Her accolades include the McNulty Prize, the CEO Global Award, and the Segal Centre Civic Engagement Honour.
Myriam U. Birara is a filmmaker and painter whose work explores nuanced human experiences and cultural identity. Her short film Imuhira premiered in competition at the 2021 Locarno Film Festival, and her debut feature, The Bride, won several awards and screened at top festivals including Berlinale, FESPACO, BFI London, and Marrakech. Myriam’s thoughtful visual language contributes a distinctive voice to African cinema.
Kantarama Gahigiri is a Rwandan filmmaker, writer, and director, and an alumna of La Fabrique Cinéma (Cannes), Realness, and other prominent residencies. Her work explores identity, sovereignty, and representation, and has premiered at Berlinale, Sundance, IDFA, and Locarno. Her acclaimed film Terra Mater earned a Swiss Academy Award nomination and over 55 international awards.
Jones Kennedy Mazimpaka is a veteran Rwandan actor, director, and mentor with over 50 years of experience. He has appeared in 50+ local and international films and performed in nearly 60 plays and social awareness productions. As a director, he has led multiple film and stage productions. His legacy is marked by his enduring contribution to Rwanda’s cultural identity and the professional development of generations of performing artists.
Aime Philbert Mbabazi Sharangabo is an award-winning filmmaker and Co-Founder of Imitana, a Kigali-based production company and home to the Kigali Cine Junction Film Festival. His debut feature Minimals in a Titanic World premiered at the 2025 Berlinale, and his short I Got My Things won the Grand Prize at the Oscar-qualifying Oberhausen Festival.
Wilson Misago is a visionary media executive, producer, and entrepreneur, and the Founder and CEO of Zacu Entertainment Ltd, Rwanda’s leading content production company. Under his leadership, local content production grew from 40 to over 160 hours per year.
Elodie Mumhoreze is a Brand Communications Consultant with the Rwanda Development Board, where she has supported the Visit Rwanda brand since 2023, driving its global visibility through strategic campaigns and storytelling that showcase Rwanda’s cultural and creative industries.
Didacienne Nibagwire is a cultural entrepreneur, writer, and creative producer with over a decade of experience in Rwanda’s arts and film sectors. She is the Founder of IYUGI Productions and Co-founder of L’Espace, a multidisciplinary cultural venue in Kigali.
Ruzindana Rugasa is a strategic communication and cultural policy professional with over 15 years of experience in media, communication and creative sector development. He serves as Advisor to the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts.
Kivu Ruhorahoza is an award-winning filmmaker and visual artist. His work has been exhibited at major international festivals, including Sundance, Berlinale, TriBeCa, IDFA, Melbourne, and Venice, and in institutions such as MoMA New York.
Eugene Safali is a seasoned Rwandan production sound mixer with two decades of experience in the film and television industry. He has contributed to numerous acclaimed films, including The 600, Inkotanyi, No U Turn, Imfura, Father’s Day, Neptune Frost, and the forthcoming Alkebulan.
Tresor Senga is a filmmaker, producer, and founder of the Mashariki African Film Festival. Since 2012, he has championed East African cinema through his company, Mashariki Pictures Ltd and as FEPAFCA Regional Director.
Chance Tubane holds an international degree in Information and Communication | PR from the Catholic University of Louvain, Belgium. She is a passionate advocate for gender empowerment, youth engagement, and human rights aligned with the SDGs.
Annette Uwera Uwizeye is a film producer, writer and strategist dedicated to storytelling and creative capacity building. She is the founder of A Wize Media and NANO Studios Africa, which have served Rwanda’s audio-visual sector for over 15 years.