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Rwandan filmmaker Dusabejambo wins €40,000 prize

By IGIHE
On 10 January 2025 at 09:54

Rwandan filmmaker Marie Clémentine Dusabejambo has won the prestigious TUI Care Foundation Award, receiving a €40,000 prize (approx. Frw57M). The award was announced at the Berlinale International Film Festival in Germany.

The winning film, titled "Benimana," was directed by Dusabejambo and produced through a collaboration between EJO-CINE (Rwanda) and Ogweli Productions from Côte d’Ivoire.

The film tells the story of Veneranda, a mother and survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. It explores themes of reconciliation through the Gacaca courts and examines the profound impact of the Genocide on survivors.

The TUI Care Foundation Award, presented annually, supports African filmmakers who tell compelling stories about events and histories in their countries.

38-year old Dusabejambo was born in Kigali and has gained international acclaim for her work. She initially gained recognition in 2009 for writing the screenplay for Yves Montand Niyongabo’s film "Maibobo," which was showcased at festivals such as the Rotterdam International Film Festival and Göteborg Film Festival.

In 2011, her film "Lyiza" was released, focusing on the Genocide against the Tutsi, remembrance, and unity. It was screened at major festivals, including the Tribeca Film Festival, and won an award at the Carthage Film Festival.

Dusabejambo’s other notable works include "A Place for Myself," which highlights the challenges faced by people with albinism. The film portrays a five-year-old girl ostracized by her classmates but finds solace in isolation. This film earned her the Thomas Sankara Prize at the 2017 Pan-African Film & Television Festival in Burkina Faso.

In addition to her international achievements, Dusabejambo has been involved in several film projects showcased at the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF). Her other notable film, "Icyasha," further cemented her reputation as a talented filmmaker who writes and directs her projects.

"Benimana" represents another milestone in Dusabejambo’s illustrious career, highlighting her dedication to telling powerful, socially relevant stories from Rwanda and beyond.

Dusabejambo’s other notable works include "A Place for Myself," which highlights the challenges faced by people with albinism.

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