The 11th Mashariki African Film Festival, running from November 22–29, 2025, will celebrate cinema with global films, 20 awards, and debut the "Mashariki Art Academy" in 2026 to train aspiring filmmakers. The festival highlights Africa’s cultural identity while fostering international collaboration and education.
Trésor Senga, the Director of Mashariki African Film Festival, outlined the festival’s purpose of nurturing African cinema over 11 years. Speaking to InyaRwanda, he detailed the organized activities scheduled during the week-long festival, including film screenings, awards, and initiatives promoting local and international talent.
Announcing the upcoming "Mashariki Art Academy," Trésor stated the academy will serve as a hub for aspiring filmmakers and artists. He noted, “Mashariki Art Academy will offer vital training in cinema studies, music scoring for films, and set design, providing a comprehensive learning experience focused on professional film production.”
The academy is slated to open in February 2026. "We have formed partnerships with top educational institutions in Canada, the USA, Europe, and the UK to bring seasoned experts as instructors for our Rwandan students," Trésor shared proudly.
The academy will also offer diverse payment plans, including scholarships for deserving candidates. According to Trésor, the admissions process will be transparent, with clear requirements to ensure enrollment is merit-based. "We aim to cultivate genuine talent by selecting students with a deep desire to excel in the cinematic arts," he emphasized.
Trésor added that cinema professionals will contribute to the student selection process. "Many dream of working in the film industry but lack proper opportunities. Our academy will bridge this gap by providing expert guidance and partnerships with global film hubs, enabling students to further their studies abroad if needed."
The festival will feature multiple screenings across various venues, culminating in an awards ceremony with 20 prestigious prizes honoring outstanding contributors to the film industry.
Highlighting a special category, Trésor revealed that two cars will be awarded under the "People’s Choice" category: one each for an outstanding male and female participant. The cars will be presented in a public showcase during the festival. Trésor emphasized widespread attendance, stating the festival attracts significant public interest year after year.
Reflecting on the earlier years of the festival, Trésor commented on its humble beginnings, when there was little external funding or support. However, perseverance transformed Mashariki African Film Festival into one of the leading cinematic events in the region. Initiatives such as Tumenye Cinema and Masharket were created to help expand the festival, delivering both cultural value and industry advancement to the region.
Trésor also explained that filmmakers traveled to rural communities in the lead-up to the festival to connect with local audiences and promote their work. This year’s festival will showcase films inspired by the history and lessons of the Genocide against the Tutsi, enriching festival-goers' understanding of African resilience and stories.
Leading the festival’s selection of films, Italian organizer Fabrizio Colombo has been working with Mashariki African Film Festival for five years. He highlighted a conscious decision to curate films emphasizing Africa’s identity. "We wanted to offer audiences a chance to see the diversity and beauty of the African continent authentically through these films,” Colombo explained.
This year’s selection comprises over 1,000 films, with 12 notable entries from Rwanda. Colombo expressed confidence that the curated films would leave a lasting impression thanks to the strong and impactful messages conveyed by their stories. "We are extremely satisfied with the selection process and believe audiences will connect deeply with these narratives,” Colombo said.
Attendees can look forward to the festival's grand opening ceremony, set for November 22, 2025, at the prestigious Serena Hotel, which will welcome over 1,000 visitors, marking the start of a week-long celebration of cinema.
Films selected for the festival include contributions from Uganda, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, and other African nations. These films will be screened at various venues such as Serena Hotel, Norrsken, and the Kigali Genocide Memorial at Gisozi.
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Trésor Senga, the festival's Director, highlighted the significant strides made in expanding opportunities for underprivileged yet passionate youth aspiring to forge careers in filmmaking.
Fabrizio Colombo elaborated that selected films will explore diverse storytelling and will be screened at iconic locations, including Kigali’s Genocide Memorial at Gisozi.
The press conference held on November 20, 2025, shed light on the festival’s highlights and its accompanying projects like "Masharket."
The festival’s finale will commend exceptional talents with 20 awards, including two cars granted to the best performers in the "People’s Choice" category.
