Speaking to IGIHE, the minister reflected on the screening, which took place in a theater hosting more than 1,200 people, including prominent figures from the worlds of cinema, fashion, music, as well as passionate film enthusiasts attending the festival.
According to her, the audience gave the film a long standing ovation at the end of the screening.
“We received applause that lasted nearly ten minutes,” she said, emphasizing that viewers were particularly touched by the beauty of the cinematography and the delicate way director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo brought the story to the big screen.
Umutoni also noted that the film is the result of nearly thirteen years of creative work and perseverance.
“This is a film that honors Rwandan mothers and the depth of emotions they continue to carry after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi,” she explained.
The minister also highlighted the pan-African dimension of the project. Ben’Imana is a Rwandan-Gabonese co-production directed by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo in collaboration with Gabonese filmmaker Samantha Biffot, with support from France and Norway.
For Umutoni, this collaboration demonstrates how partnerships between African countries can enable African cinema to reach the highest international platforms.
She further stated that reactions from critics, organizers and the international press have been overwhelmingly positive, with several observers predicting a strong international journey for the film.
The film explores themes of reconciliation, forgiveness, resilience and rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
“When you remain authentic and faithful to your culture, you can go very far,” the minister said, adding that Ben’Imana will also open doors for a new generation of African filmmakers.
According to her, several international producers and distributors have already expressed interest in screening the film in different countries around the world.
karirima@igihe.com
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