Kayonga Gatesi Divine, the celebrated Rwandan actress, shared her enthusiasm about being nominated for the prestigious People's Choice Award at the Mashariki Film Festival. She sees the nomination as proof that her work has significant value and reaches much farther than she anticipated.
She is competing in the 'People's Choice' category, where the winner will receive a car. In her words to InyaRwanda, “I received it with joy! It showed me that the work I do is appreciated and recognized by people. They see that what I do matters and makes an impact, distinguishing me from other film professionals. It means so much to me, and I am incredibly proud of it.”
"Kaliza wa Kalisa" – The Film That Defined Her
The award-winning film "Kaliza wa Kalisa", which debuted on Zacu TV in August 2024, propelled Kayonga Gatesi Divine into the spotlight. This inspiring story centers on a young girl named Kaliza, hailing from Rusizi, who moves to Kigali in search of employment. To secure a job, she cleverly poses as a married woman.
The narrative evolves as Kaliza lands a position at a radio station that catapults her to fame. She then leads a double life, balancing her real identity as Kaliza and her disguise as "Madamu Kalisa."
The film is a masterpiece packed with life lessons, offering insights into Rwandan societal challenges while exploring what it takes to build a better future in Kigali.
Notable actors such as Antoinette Uwamahoro, Irunga Longin, Nshimirimana Yannick, and Dusenge Clenia brought depth and brilliance to the movie.
In November 2024, "Kaliza wa Kalisa" triumphed as Best Film at the Mashariki African Film Festival, while its director, Niyoyita Roger, was awarded Best Director.
For Gatesi, the nomination in the People’s Choice Award category represents a major milestone in her career.
"When a person is in competition, they never anticipate losing; they prepare to win, even in cases where they don’t succeed. As for me, I am prepared to win that car if people continue to vote for me."
Although competing at such a high level is a first for her, Gatesi perceives it as a significant boost to her professional journey in Rwandan cinema.
Known as a rising star, Kayonga Gatesi Divine emphasizes her commitment to crafting impactful stories that resonate with audiences while preserving Rwanda’s rich culture.
Starting her career as a young actress, Gatesi captivated many with her exceptional performance in "Kaliza wa Kalisa" — a film that solidified her place in the hearts of cinema fans.
Today, being a nominee for awards at the Mashariki Film Festival is a testament to how perseverance and passion can turn dreams into reality. Gatesi also starred in the renowned film "Behind."
The Mashariki African Film Festival, now celebrating its 11th edition, is an iconic event uniting film directors and creators from across nations. This festival continues to celebrate excellence in cinema while promoting African stories to the global stage.
Kaliza Kayonga Gatesi is currently basking in her nomination for the Mashariki Film Festival Awards, proudly declaring that her work has a far-reaching impact.
CLICK HERE TO VOTE KALIZA KAYONGA GATESI
Kayonga Gatesi Divine, fondly recognized as Kaliza, has captivated cinema fans with her portrayal in "Kaliza wa Kalisa."
"It showed me that my work reaches far" — Kaliza reflects on her growth in confidence and recognition from the Mashariki Film Festival.
Kaliza wa Kalisa established Kayonga’s reputation, bringing pride to Rwanda on an international level.
Kaliza asserts that dedication and passion are key to thriving in the competitive realm of cinema.
"I am humbled and proud" — Kaliza shares how the Mashariki Film Festival encourages her to continue creating content with impactful messages.
CLICK TO WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH ICON "KALIZA WA KALISA" ALONGSIDE GAJU CLICK HERE TO VIEW A SHORT CLIP FROM THE FILM 'KALIZA WA KALISA'