Until 21st century
Rwanda
Hillywood is the name given in the excerpt to Rwanda’s emerging domestic film industry. Rwandan directors and producers make films in Rwanda, often in Kinyarwanda, and present them through an annual low-budget festival that travels across the country. The industry is portrayed as a vehicle for cultural expression, public discussion, and national recovery after the genocide.
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The Story
Rwanda’s emerging film industry is known as Hillywood, a name that combines the country’s identity with the aspirations of its young filmmakers. The industry developed as Rwandans who had worked on foreign productions began producing films of their own and telling stories rooted in their society. Its growth was presented as a timely cultural project for a country determined to move forward after genocide.
Each year, Hillywood holds a film festival on a very limited budget. Rwandan filmmakers travel throughout the country, screening films outdoors under the stars. These productions are made by Rwandan directors and producers, filmed in Rwanda, and presented in Kinyarwanda, giving audiences access to locally produced cinema in a language used in everyday life.
One popular film, Hey, Mr DJ!, follows an arrogant young disc jockey who discovers that he is HIV positive. Its comedy and emotional turn attracted audiences while creating an opportunity to discuss HIV/AIDS. The festival also encouraged young viewers to imagine themselves entering Rwanda’s film sector, linking entertainment with education and professional aspiration.
Hillywood received attention outside Rwanda through a showing at the New York Academy of Art attended by Bill Clinton and Paul Kagame. The event introduced works by Gilbert Ndahayo, Thierry Dushimirimana, and Pierre Lalumiere Kayitana. Kagame described artistic expression as part of Rwanda’s healing, while the evening framed filmmaking as an expression of national culture and resilience.
Until 21st century
Rwanda
Hillywood is the name given in the excerpt to Rwanda’s emerging domestic film industry. Rwandan directors and producers make films in Rwanda, often in Kinyarwanda, and present them through an annual low-budget festival that travels across the country. The industry is portrayed as a vehicle for cultural expression, public discussion, and national recovery after the genocide.
Continue exploring
The Story
Rwanda’s emerging film industry is known as Hillywood, a name that combines the country’s identity with the aspirations of its young filmmakers. The industry developed as Rwandans who had worked on foreign productions began producing films of their own and telling stories rooted in their society. Its growth was presented as a timely cultural project for a country determined to move forward after genocide.
Each year, Hillywood holds a film festival on a very limited budget. Rwandan filmmakers travel throughout the country, screening films outdoors under the stars. These productions are made by Rwandan directors and producers, filmed in Rwanda, and presented in Kinyarwanda, giving audiences access to locally produced cinema in a language used in everyday life.
One popular film, Hey, Mr DJ!, follows an arrogant young disc jockey who discovers that he is HIV positive. Its comedy and emotional turn attracted audiences while creating an opportunity to discuss HIV/AIDS. The festival also encouraged young viewers to imagine themselves entering Rwanda’s film sector, linking entertainment with education and professional aspiration.
Hillywood received attention outside Rwanda through a showing at the New York Academy of Art attended by Bill Clinton and Paul Kagame. The event introduced works by Gilbert Ndahayo, Thierry Dushimirimana, and Pierre Lalumiere Kayitana. Kagame described artistic expression as part of Rwanda’s healing, while the evening framed filmmaking as an expression of national culture and resilience.
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