The committee, comprising 15 seasoned experts in drama, cinema, and related arts, was established under guidelines from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS). This groundbreaking initiative aims to elevate Rwanda’s cinematic voice globally.
Sandrine Umutoni, the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Youth and Culture, highlighted the importance of this effort in nurturing Rwandan art and talent internationally.
She stated: “This is a transformative opportunity for Rwanda's creative economy. Creating a committee to select films for the Oscars signifies our efforts to amplify Rwandan cinema internationally.”
Committee Members: Niragire Marie France (Chairperson), Misago Nelly Willson, Kennedy Jones Kennedy, Kantarama Gahigiri, Ruzindana Rugasa, Hope Azeda, Myriam U. Birara, Senga Tresor, Tubane Chance, Annette Uwera Uwizeye, Eugene Safali, Kivu Ruhorahoza, Aimé Philbert Sharangabo, Didacienne Nibagwire, and Elodie Mumhoreze.
The committee's primary role is selecting films to represent Rwanda in the prestigious International Feature Film category at the Oscars awards.
Films are eligible if they premiered in Rwanda between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, are in non-English languages with English subtitles, and have production rights primarily controlled by Rwandans or Rwanda-based talent.
Filmmakers interested in submitting entries must email the required documentation to rwandaoscars@moya.gov.rw before August 31, 2025.
Committee Members and Their Expertise:
1. Marie France Niragire
She is the President of the Rwanda Arts Council and leads the committee responsible for selecting Rwanda’s films to represent the country at the Oscars.
An expert in media and cultural creativity, she has extensive experience in film and television production, direction, and screenwriting. She is also known as an actress, director, and producer, gaining wide recognition for her leading roles in the films Urudasanzwe and Inzozi.
She has been a strong advocate for giving women a voice in the film industry, supporting emerging talents, and promoting film as a powerful tool for education, healing, and social transformation.
2. Hope Azeda
Hope Azeda, founder of Mashirika Performing Arts and Media Company, has significantly influenced Rwandan performing arts. She contributed to casting roles in globally-known films like "Sometimes in April" and "Shake Hands with the Devil."
Azeda is recognized internationally for her work, earning honors such as the McNulty Prize and CEO Global Award, and for founding the Ubumuntu Arts Festival. Her advocacy extends to cultural diplomacy as part of the Global Public Diplomacy Network.
3. Myriam U. Birara
Myriam Birara is celebrated for her artistic storytelling that delves into human life and cultural identity. Her short film "Imuhira" debuted at the Locarno Film Festival in 2021.
Birara’s feature film "The Bride" won prestigious awards and was showcased at globally-recognized festivals such as Berlinale and FESPACO. Her work profoundly reflects Rwanda’s culture and unique narratives.
4. Kantarama Gahigiri
A Rwandan filmmaker, writer, and director, she has trained at prestigious institutions such as La Fabrique Cinéma (Cannes) and Realness. Her works explore themes of humanity, freedom, and representation in cinema. Her film Terra Mater was nominated for the Swiss Academy Award and has won over 55 international awards.
Her short film Ethereality, which addresses migration and the search for belonging, won the Golden Foal Award at FESPACO. Her recent projects focus on the intersections of colonialism, socio-economic conditions, and climate change.
5. Jones Kennedy Mazimpaka
An experienced actor and director with over 50 years in the industry, he has appeared in more than 50 films both in Rwanda and internationally. He has also performed in nearly 60 theater productions, including plays focused on health education and promoting social well-being.
As a director, he has led numerous film and theater projects. He plays a significant role in mentoring and training emerging artists in Rwanda, contributing greatly to preserving Rwandan cultural values and promoting youth development in the arts.
6. Aimé Philbert Sharangabo
Aimé Philbert Mbabazi Sharangabo has dedicated his life to cinema. He is an award-winning filmmaker and one of the founders of IMITANA, a Kigali-based company that hosts the Kigali Cine Junction Film Festival.
He studied at HEAD–Genève. His first feature film, Minimals in a Titanic World, premiered at Berlinale 2025. His short film I Got My Things won the top prize at the Oberhausen Festival (Oscar-qualifying).
His works have been screened at over 70 international festivals, including Rotterdam, Visions du Réel, and Clermont-Ferrand. Aimé is an alumnus of Berlinale Talents and Locarno Filmmakers Academy, recognized as a distinctive voice in contemporary African cinema storytelling.
7. Wilson Misago
Wilson Misago is a prominent media executive, investor, and filmmaker. He is the Founder and CEO of Zacu Entertainment Ltd, a leading Rwandan production company now part of the CANAL+ Group.
In 2017, he launched Zacu TV, Rwanda’s first Video on Demand (VoD) platform, which later evolved into a dedicated channel for Kinyarwanda cinema.
He previously led inyaRwanda Ltd, significantly contributing to the growth of the Rwandan music industry. Under his leadership, local film production increased from about 40 hours to over 160 hours annually.
Wilson produced popular film series including Seburikoko, City Maid, and Kaliza wa Kalisa. He also founded AFRIFAME, a company specializing in photography.
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8. Elodie Mumhoreze
Elodie is an experienced professional in marketing and brand integration at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Since 2023, she has been responsible for supporting the Visit Rwanda initiative, working to boost its international visibility through campaigns and storytelling that showcase Rwanda’s culture and creative industries.
With a background in media and communications, she combines scientific knowledge and practical experience to explain how film, television, and storytelling can shape cultural perception.
9. Didacienne Nibagwire
Known as Dida, she is an arts investor, writer, and creative producer with over 10 years of experience in Rwanda’s entertainment and film industry. She is the founder of IYUGI Productions and Co-Founder of L’Espace, a creative hub in Kigali that brings together diverse artistic activities.
Dida has worked on award-winning films such as Petit Pays, Le Silence des Mots, and Father’s Day (Berlinale Encounters 2022). She also leads projects that connect young people with older generations through art, blending cultural research with a focus on its impact on people’s lives.
10. Ruzindana Rugasa
Ruzindana is an expert in communications and heritage and cultural management, with over 15 years of experience in media and promoting the creative industries.
He serves as an advisor to the Minister of Youth and Arts Development and previously led the government communications coordination team.
Holding degrees in arts management, cultural policy, and sustainable project development in the creative sector, he works to align public policy with cultural innovation to ensure that Rwanda’s youth, culture, and heritage stories gain international recognition.
11. Kivu Ruhorahoza
Kivu Ruhorahoza is an award-winning international filmmaker and visual artist. His works have been showcased at major festivals such as Sundance, Berlinale, Tribeca, IDFA, Melbourne, and Venice, as well as prestigious institutions like MoMA in New York.
He was a Stewart McMillan Fellow from 2022 to 2023 and collaborates with the Hutchins Center at Harvard University. Notable films include Of Heroes and Villains (upcoming), Father’s Day (Berlinale 2022), Europa (IDFA 2019), Things of the Aimless Wanderer (Sundance 2015), and Grey Matter (Tribeca 2011).
12. Eugene Safali
Eugene Safali is an expert sound mixer in the film and television industry with 20 years of experience. He has contributed to the sound production of major films such as The 600, Inkotanyi, No U Turn, Imfura, Father’s Day, Neptune Frost, and Alkebulan.
His work has been featured at festivals including Berlinale, Sundance, Tribeca, and FESPACO. He has collaborated with Canal+ Afrique, National Geographic, and Voyage on projects across Africa, earning a reputation as an internationally respected audio professional.
13. Trésor Senga
Trésor Senga is a producer and leads the Mashariki African Film Festival project. Since 2012, he has championed the growth of East African cinema through his company, Mashariki Pictures Ltd, and as the Regional Director of FEPAFCA.
He has produced and directed films screened across Africa and Europe and is often invited to serve on film festival juries.
In 2023, he launched the Kigali International Film and Content Market and produced The Greenland series. He also leads the LET’S KNOW project, funded by the EU, which provides training to 400 Rwandan youth in filmmaking.
14. Chance Tubane
Chance Tubane holds an international degree in Communication and Public Relations from the Catholic University of Louvain. He is an advocate for gender equality, youth empowerment, and human rights, aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Chance has worked both nationally and internationally, collaborating with organizations such as the UN and Women for Women International. He has led impactful campaigns including TunyweLess (against excessive alcohol consumption), TOHOZA.com, and ECWIPD, which supports women in the creative arts.
15. Annette Uwera Uwizeye
Annette Uwizeye is at the forefront of Rwandan cinema as founder of A Wize Media and NANO Studios Africa. Her leadership in productions like "The 600" and "Coexist" underpins her commitment to growing Rwanda's film industry.