The cast of the Rwandan movie "Umugani" is scheduled to leave Rwanda on Saturday, June 21st, at 4:30 PM to attend the prestigious Khouribga International African Film Festival in Morocco. This critically acclaimed film is the product of a collaborative effort between Zacu TV and filmmaker John Kwezi.
First released in 2014, "Umugani" gained widespread attention on Zacu TV for its gripping storyline addressing family conflicts, which sometimes escalate to tragic consequences between spouses. Praised for its powerful performances, the film features talented actors Dusenge Clenie (portraying Madederi) and Daniel Gaga (as Ngenzi), and delivers a thought-provoking message about marriage dynamics and the far-reaching impacts of broken households.
Earlier this year, in January 2025, the film was showcased at the Luxor African Film Festival in Egypt. It was met with critical acclaim and applauded by audiences for its universal themes.
In a conversation with InyaRwanda, filmmaker John Kwezi highlighted how the poignant messages portrayed in this film resonate with contemporary global issues, driving its international appeal.
He commented, "In Egypt, we saw how audiences deeply connected with a well-written narrative that delivers a profound message about everyday family life. It affirmed that Rwandan cinema holds impactful stories brought to life through exceptional artistry."
The Khouribga International African Film Festival, held annually in Morocco for over 40 years, stands as one of Africa's most notable cinema events. Founded in 1977, the festival’s mission is to promote African cinema, foster collaboration, and celebrate the continent's diverse cultures.
Each year, the festival attracts an array of participants, including filmmakers, journalists, studio executives, and influential figures from the industry. It also honors exceptional talent with awards across several categories, such as Best Feature Film, Actor of the Year (male and female), Best Screenplay, and Outstanding Achievement for themes addressing health and women's rights.
Expressing optimism, John Kwezi shared his hopes that "Umugani" will continue to bring pride to Rwanda through its participation in this prestigious festival. He stated, "We are optimistic because 'Umugani' stands for itself as a bold and impactful piece of work that reflects the lived realities of many people. We aspire for this festival to be a stepping stone to further showcase Rwandan talent on the global stage."
Filmmaker John Kwezi has announced his plans to travel to Morocco and present the acclaimed movie 'Umugani.'
Daniel Gaga, one of the lead actors in "Umugani", will join the event in Morocco.
Dusenge Clenia, widely recognized as Madederi, plays a pivotal role in the film, which is set to be showcased at the Khouribga African Film Festival.
Earlier this year in January 2025, John Kwezi presented "Umugani" to audiences in Egypt during a special screening.
This momentous occasion at Morocco’s festival reflects the growing recognition of the resilience and creativity of Rwandan cinema.