In an interview with InyaRwanda, Kimenyi Tito shared how TikTok became his launching pad for a filmmaking career, helping him expand his artistic talent and connect with a broader audience.
He said, “I always knew I wanted to act in films, but TikTok became a bridge to enter the cinema world. I used it to deliver messages tied to acting, making it easier for people to see me as an actor.”
From “Love Might Happen” to “Umuruho Wanjye”
Kimenyi revealed that his journey into cinema began in September 2024, starting with his first project titled "Love Might Happen."
After this success, he launched his next film, “Umuruho Wanjye,” which tells the emotional story of children from affluent families who face hardship after losing their parents, causing their lives to take a difficult turn.
He explained, “This is a film I wrote myself. Currently, we have footage for two seasons, and we will release episodes daily on my YouTube channel, called Kimenyi Tito.”
Redefining Rwandan Cinema
The young and ambitious creator praised his colleagues in Rwandan cinema but mentioned he does not follow any specific role models. His vision is to have his films featured on global platforms like Netflix and transform the Rwandan film industry over the next five years.
Debut Film as His First “Child”
Kimenyi attributed his success and opportunities to the effort he invested in building a name on TikTok. The platform not only gave him exposure but also financial stability to pursue his dreams.
He stated, “I consider my first film like my first-born child. It was small, with a limited cast, but it touched my heart, and I worked on it passionately.”
He also hinted at including his girlfriend, Judy, in future projects, though she does not appear in the initial episodes of "Umuruho Wanjye."
Overcoming Challenges
Kimenyi openly discussed the hurdles he encountered, including lost footage, changing key actors, and gaining technical filmmaking knowledge.
Despite these challenges, Kimenyi emphasized that he is continuously learning by visiting film sets and seeking advice from seasoned filmmakers.
TikTok: A Game-Changer for Creators
TikTok is recognized as a powerful platform for empowering artists and filmmakers. Its algorithm allows new content to quickly reach a large audience, even for lesser-known creators.
This accessibility gives emerging talent a chance to showcase their abilities, attract more followers, and connect with collaborators or sponsors.
For filmmakers, TikTok serves as a tool to share teasers or trailers, amplifying their projects and drawing attention from potential buyers or backers.
Additionally, TikTok's interactive nature enables creators to receive immediate feedback from fans, helping them refine their work based on audience responses.
Kimenyi Tito’s journey highlights the platform’s impact. Leveraging his TikTok presence, he gained momentum to self-produce two films and command the attention needed to grow professionally.
In summary, TikTok has revolutionized how emerging artists gain visibility, especially in developing industries like film and music in Rwanda.
Kimenyi Tito has started releasing episodes of his second film, “Umuruho Wanjye.”
Kimenyi mentioned that upcoming episodes of this film might feature Judy, influenced by audience votes. 
He also stated that TikTok was the inspiration behind his decision to pursue cinema as a full-time career he deeply loves. 
Kimenyi, famous for his TikTok comedy sketches and impersonations, is making waves in reshaping Rwandan cinema through his innovative projects backed by social media.
