Clapton Kibonge is in Paris, France, on a trip focused on two major activities: attending the Off-Courts Festival and working on film projects. The Off-Courts Festival, also known as Off-Courts Trouville, is an international film festival held annually in France and dedicated primarily to short films.
The festival was launched in 2000 as a cultural exchange initiative aimed at strengthening ties between France and Québec. It has since grown into an international platform that brings together filmmakers and other creative professionals from different countries.
In 2026, the festival held its 27th edition in Trouville-sur-Mer from September 5 to 11. It provides opportunities for filmmakers, actors, artists and other film professionals to meet, exchange ideas and collaborate on new projects.
It was in this environment that Clapton Kibonge took part in the festival’s activities and had the opportunity to work on his film “Identity” in France.
Speaking to InyaRwanda, Clapton Kibonge explained that his trip to France was not simply about attending a festival. He also wanted to use the opportunity to expand his knowledge and experience in filmmaking.
“It is a film we made entirely in France. It was produced by professional teams here, and so far, the films have been completed and screened at the Off-Courts Festival.”
“Identity” was produced in collaboration with French film professionals, giving Clapton the opportunity to gain first-hand experience of how film projects are developed and produced within an international filmmaking environment.
Trésor Senga also showcased his film
Clapton Kibonge was not the only Rwandan to take part in the festival.
Trésor Senga, the director of the Mashariki African Film Festival, one of Rwanda’s major film festivals, also participated in the Off-Courts Festival.
Senga used the opportunity to showcase his film “I Wanna Go Back Home,” which was produced in Paris, France.
Their participation means that the trip was more than simply attending an international festival. It provided both Rwandan filmmakers with an opportunity to interact with French professionals, develop new projects and present their work to an international audience.
A festival built around collaboration
Off-Courts Festival is an annual event dedicated primarily to short films and brings together filmmakers, actors, artists, directors and other professionals working across the film and cultural industries.
One of the festival’s distinctive features is its creative workshop programme, known as “Labos de création,” which brings artists together to develop film projects collaboratively—from the initial idea through production and post-production.
The festival also features short films from different countries and provides opportunities for film professionals to connect with potential partners, discover new projects and explore opportunities within the international film industry.
For Clapton Kibonge and Trésor Senga, showcasing their projects at such a festival represents another step in efforts by Rwandan filmmakers to take their work to international audiences.
A new experience for Clapton Kibonge
For Clapton Kibonge, working on a film in France and presenting it at an international festival has provided valuable new experience, particularly in understanding how professionals in other countries approach filmmaking.
The comedian and actor says opportunities of this kind help him broaden his understanding of the film industry and learn more about how film projects are developed, produced and presented to audiences.
He travelled to France during the night of September 5-6, 2026, alongside Trésor Senga, to attend the Off-Courts Festival. As of now, Clapton Kibonge’s “Identity” and Trésor Senga’s “I Wanna Go Back Home” have both been screened at the festival.
Clapton said he would determine after returning to Rwanda whether “Identity” will receive further opportunities to be screened before Rwandan audiences.
For Kibonge, the trip marks an important step in his artistic journey. Beyond acting, he has had the opportunity to participate in an internationally produced film, work alongside French professionals and present the project at an international film festival.
The experience could provide a foundation for future projects in Rwanda and abroad as Rwandan filmmakers continue seeking opportunities to connect their work with the wider international film industry.
Clapton Kibonge Takes Rwandan Cinema to France with New Movie “Identity”