The Mashariki Film Awards 2023 brings together 160 nominees across over 20 elite categories. This includes celebrated icons from Rwandan cinema and emerging stars paving new paths in the industry.
In this year’s edition, the Mashariki Awards strives to celebrate African cinema by honoring seasoned veterans and nurturing talented newcomers. The goal is clear: to elevate Rwandan cinema to a global platform while celebrating the creativity and culture of the continent.
Traditionally focused on appreciating African artists, this prestigious festival breaks new ground for 2023. Notable additions include two landmark prizes—cars awarded to winners of the ‘People’s Choice Actor' and ‘People’s Choice Actress’ categories. This marks a pivotal moment in the festival’s history.
The event spans several weeks and features a special segment called ‘Mashariki Market.’ This three-day celebration will attract over 500 international representatives from the USA, Canada, Europe, and Africa, broadening Mashariki Awards’ global influence.
This year’s theme, “Creative Horizons,” or 'New Frontiers of Artistic Creation,' dives deep into the transformative power of African filmmakers. The festival spotlights their ability to innovate through technology and storytelling, reclaim Africa’s narrative, and highlight its rich cultural heritage to the world.
Trésor Senga, the director of Mashariki Awards, expressed his excitement: “This year’s theme showcases the evolution of how Africa is represented in cinema worldwide.
Cinema professionals across Africa are reshaping the continent's identity, reclaiming their storytelling rights, and redefining how Africa’s history, present, and future are understood globally. Through this platform, we continue witnessing innovative ways in African storytelling."
Trésor Senga also highlighted the dual purpose of the festival: honoring cinema legends and empowering young creatives whose ambition is to leave their mark in the film industry.
The festival will provide two cars—one awarded to the winner of ‘Best Actor People’s Choice’ and the other to the ‘Best Actress People’s Choice.’ Such prizes are a bold addition to celebrate Rwanda's talent.
For all other categories besides People's Choice, winners will be carefully selected by a panel of industry experts. As part of the awards engagement, digital voting ensures inclusivity by refunding 20% of the voting fees to the participants based on sums contributed by voters.
Actors will also embark on tours across five districts in Rwanda to promote their projects, participate in charitable events, and strengthen relationships with audiences through showcases and screenings.
Best Actor (People’s Choice)
Nominees include Mugisha Emmanuel (Kibonke, Deceiver), Benimana Ramadhan (Bamenya, Bamenya Series), Irunga Longin (Tukowote, Kaliza wa Kalisa), Dusabimana Israel (Papa Tracy, Impanga Series), Niyitegeka Gratien (Papa Sava, Seburikoko), Habimana Swedi (Soloba, The Money), Niyinshuti Yannick (Killerman, The Devil), Tuyisenge Aimé Valens (Boss Rukundo, Bamenya), Nsabimana Eric (Dr Nsabi, The Devil), Nshimiyimana Pacifique (Cyusa, Inzira y’Umusaraba), Gaga Daniel (Ngenzi, The Money), Ndahiro Willy (Paul, The Money), Gakwaya Celestin (Nkaka, Hell in Heaven), Bizimana Vital (Rugema, Inzira y’Umusaraba), Shema Emmy (Tate, Hurt Harder), Rukundo Arnold (Paulin, Bamenya), Buregeya Bonny (Scot/Micheal, Ingoroano), Mazimpaka Wilson (Kanimba, Bamenya/Ganza), and Mugisha James (Mudenge, Indoto).
Best Actress (People’s Choice)
Nominees include Mumararungu Joyeuse (Micky, IgiHome), Ahishakiye Nadine (Aisha, The Devil), Niyonkuru Aimee (Nyambo, The Devil), Dusenge Clenia (Madedele, Papa Sava), Mukasekuru Hadidja (Fabiola, The Devil), Uwimpundu Sandrine (Runfonsina, Shuwa Dilu), Iradukunda Nadine (Amanda, Behind Series), Irakoze Ariane Vanessa (Kate/Maya, Hurts Harder), Uwamahoro Antoinette (Intare y’Ingore, Kaliza wa Kalisa), Ndahiro Natasha (Natasha, Lovers Cage), Mutoni Saranda Olivia (Eva, Behind Series), Uwimana Hamida (Mamita, Bamenya), Umurerwa Aziza (Nana, The Devil), Irafasha Sandra (Swalla, Umutima Umenetse), Mukayirezeri Djalia (Kechup, Bamenya), Uwase Delphine (Soleil, Bamenya), Kayonga Gatesi (Kaliza, Kaliza wa Kalisa), and Munyana Analisa (Mama Sava, Papa Sava).
Best Supporting Actors
Nominees include Selemani D’amour (Papa Shaffy, Deceiver), Abayisenga Patrick Karake (Ntore, Behind), Rurangirwa Ben (Ben/Chriss, My Heart), Regero Norbert (DigiDigi, Papa Sava), Rwego Yves (Dr Manzi, Intimba ya Lavie), Uwihoreye Jean Bosco (Ndimbati, Papa Sava), Niwemuto Eugene (Muzehe Rudasigwa, Behind), and Manizabayo Prosper (Bijiyobija, The Devil).
Best Supporting Actresses
Nominees include Zaninka Joseline (Mama Zulu, Behind Series), Irakoze Eliane (Olga, Hurts Harder), Byukusenge Adeline (Noella, Impanga), Umutiniwase Nadia (Muganga, My Heart), Niyinsenga Joseline (Jojo, The Devil), Ineza Keila Bernice (Teta, Bamenya), Igihozo Nshuti Mireille (Mireille, Indoto), and Kayitesi Alice (Linda, Umuturanyi).
The full list of nominees for 'Best Actor People’s Choice,' which will come with a car:
Women competing in the 'Best Actress People’s Choice' category:
Nominees for 'Best Supporting Actress':
The Mashariki Film Awards 2023 remains a transformative catalyst for African creativity and global recognition. Follow us for updates on winners and highlights!