Director/co-writer Debs and Footprint Film producers Mark Blaney and Jackie Sheppard (with features casting director Jeremy Zimmermann) joined the Hillywood crew to see We Are All Rwandans and 5 other films in the kinyarwandan language play on an inflatable screen in 6 towns around Rwanda (pictured above in Kibuye). It was an unforgettable experience to see crowds gather in the town stadiums and the 80ft screen inflate ready for the light to fade and movies begin.
Prior to Hillywood, we were also thrilled to be able to attend a screening of the film on a similar screen in Nyange school itself - on March 18th, the anniversary of the attack 11 years ago. We were also able to attend a memorial service the next day, which was really special.
Many of the attack survivors were in attendance
Laying flowers at Chantal's grave
Amazing dancers
The school drummers
Our film was played at the top of the opening night program, and got possibly the best response I've ever seen - with a round of applause as Helene makes her last stand. It was being hailed as an important moment in Rwandan cinema, which was very exciting... especially as we now begin work on the development of a feature script - which is the main purpose of this trip.
It's a pleasure and a joy to be working again with the wonderful Ayuub (above - in work mode!)- but slightly overwhelming as we listen to people's stories to realise both how many stories there are, and how much sadness there is amongst the inspiration and hope. The task for the next couple of weeks here, and then whatever follows, will be to find a path between truth and hurt and hope - as we try and create a representation of this beautiful and inspiring country and people in film...
Saying hello again to the Nyange kids
With Mark and Jackie - all of us shattered after a long flight and driving straight to the school! (But still smiling)
Completely exquisitely beautiful... We'll keep you posted on future developments - unless we see you here first!
Many of the attack survivors were in attendance
Laying flowers at Chantal's grave
Amazing dancers
The school drummersThe Rwanda International Film Festival then kicked off with a bang a week ago, with a dignitary-attended opening ceremony in the plush Serena hotel.
Our film was played at the top of the opening night program, and got possibly the best response I've ever seen - with a round of applause as Helene makes her last stand. It was being hailed as an important moment in Rwandan cinema, which was very exciting... especially as we now begin work on the development of a feature script - which is the main purpose of this trip.
It's a pleasure and a joy to be working again with the wonderful Ayuub (above - in work mode!)- but slightly overwhelming as we listen to people's stories to realise both how many stories there are, and how much sadness there is amongst the inspiration and hope. The task for the next couple of weeks here, and then whatever follows, will be to find a path between truth and hurt and hope - as we try and create a representation of this beautiful and inspiring country and people in film...
Saying hello again to the Nyange kids
With Mark and Jackie - all of us shattered after a long flight and driving straight to the school! (But still smiling)
Completely exquisitely beautiful... We'll keep you posted on future developments - unless we see you here first!