Rwanda is set to commemorate 20 years since
the infamous 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi next year. There are a
number of documentaries and films that have been produced capturing the
country's tragic history and her remarkable reconstruction.
Now, award-winning film producer, Eric Kabera is set to produce a
feature-length documentary of dance and music that highlights the role
of arts and culture in moving the nation forward.
Kabera, a Congolese born acclaimed Rwandan film producer, says the
documentary titled, "My Voice, My Identity", is going to explore the
cultural identity, unity and reconciliation of Rwanda and the resilience
of its people, through the eyes and voices of men and women who make up
Rwanda's National Ballet.
The group has been hailed as one of the most graceful traditional
dance troupes that have graced the African continent. It is going to
take film lovers through the nation's bittersweet journey; from its
chequered history to the present period when the country has made great
strides in political, social and economic developments through its
pragmatic leadership.
"It is through their everyday lives, their dances, and the messages
that their dancing represents that we explore the forces that shape
Rwanda today and the people who live it," says Kabera in an exclusive
press release.
Kabera, who is also the founder and president of Rwanda Cinema
Centre, has participated in more than 50 international film festivals
around the world, and his productions have received various
international awards, including the prestigious Toronto International
Film Festival, Pan Africa Film Festival and Cape Town World Cinema
Festival awards among others.
He is also renowned for producing short films such as Africa United:
Rwanda Women Celebrating Achievements, Through My Eyes and is the
director of films, Rwanda the Renaissance and Keepers of Memory.
About the forthcoming film, Kabera says, "It is through the eyes and
voices of these individuals, and through personal testimonies of others,
that we see how music and dance have served as a unifying force for the
Rwandan people; while providing us with a compelling look at the
country's turbulent past as put together by its promising future."
He says the film follows the characters' journey through their
childhood memories, which may not have been rosy, through the present
Rwanda and with the characters not shying away from narrating the sad
experience they underwent in the past.
"We're given a window into their everyday lives and explore who they
are; where they come from; how they became involved in this trade; how
the community sees them; and their role in promoting Rwanda's future.
The film will also include archival footage, engaging music, and
performance footage of the National Ballet," he says.
He adds that by using dance and music as a vehicle to tell the
narrative of Rwanda in its past and present, the film is inevitably
going to show the essence of what it means to be a Rwandan, transcending
any ethnic divide. "It will be a film that embodies Rwandan culture and
values, and serves as a symbol of a shared identity and national
unity."
Kabera adds that this film will also serve as a tool to celebrate the
differences and similarities of its existing cultural values by
bringing the people of Rwanda together, while at the same time looking
back in order to understand it's turbulent past in order to reconcile
itself with its future aspirations.
Just like Rwanda has over the years overcome its dark past and people
are now involved in preaching reconciliation over revenge, "My Voice,
My Identity" closes with triumph overcoming tragedy, showing that in a
just society the good will normally triumph over the evil.
Kabera notes that on the domestic front, this film is going to act as
a potential stimulus to other people who may see potential education
and employment opportunities within dance troupes, while at the same
time contributing to the on-going transformation of the image of the
country, changing some negative perceptions about Rwanda like genocide
and violence.
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