French and Kinyarwanda have been the languages of Rwanda, ever since the Belgians colonized the country in 1918. But in 2008, the government declared all administrative offices must conduct business in English and all classes must be taught in English. What are the economic and cultural challenges and opportunities that the shift in language presents? This film will follow four young people from different backgrounds as they adapt to the new policy – individuals who have spent their lives in Rwanda and those whose families fled the country and now have returned.
The Team:
Jean de Dieu SAMBA CYUZUZO
Alyce AKINEZA
Nadege NZEYIMANA
Noella DUSHIMIYIMANA
The Budget: 55330 Rwandan Francs = $60
It’s almost 3 p.m, the sun is about to set. A group of adults between the ages of 20-50 gather drums and traditional clothes. They stand before their teacher who asks them to stand before him in the shade of the trees. The teacher lifts up his arms and demonstrates a dance move as a drummer plays traditional Rwandan rhythms. The man is called KALINGANIRE. He teaches a traditional dance called the Umuhamirizo. One of his students attends because his parents believe it’s important to hold on to this Rwandese culture. But he would rather be rehearsing with his hip hop group. Kalinganire is afraid that this Rwandan tradition may disappear due to the influence of a western hip hop culture. He has been dancing this traditional dance since his childhood. Already, the traditional dance has changed from his childhood due to the influence of western dance. He is worried that this traditional dance may disappear in the coming years and consequently the identity of the country will be totally lost. He teaches the nation’s youth with the hope that new generation will help in reviving the traditional dance.
The Team:
Fidele NIYIGABA
Robert MUGABE KAKEMBA
Aimee Consolee KUBWIMANA
The Budget: 25500 Rwandan Francs = $45
Rwanda is developing rapidly. Sixteen years ago the country lay in ruins, but today numerous new buildings are springing up around the country. There is hope that with development will come international investments and businesses, making it possible for the country to rely less on international aid money. But in cities like Kigali and Butare, the land for development is in high demand. To make way for new buildings, some residents have been forced to move from their homes to new settlements far from their work. While the development is attracting business investment, what is the economic impact on people who have been moved from their homes?
The Team:
Jean Clement MUHIRE KAMANZI
Claudine BARAKAMFITIYE
Prudent NSENGIYUMVA
The Budget: 57300 Rwandan Francs – $100
During 1994 genocide, 11-year old Segahinga was orphaned when he lost his mother, a brother and a sister. When the orphanage he was living in closed, he was forced to leave school and begin working to support himself. Without an education, his job opportunities were limited. Recently, in a Karate class, he made friends with a young man who introduced him to the internet. The world wide web inspired Segahinga, who now 26 years old, to return to school to complete his education. In his primary school classroom is surrounded by 8 and 9-year olds. He is struggling to learn to read and to write so that he can be on the same level with his generation.
The Team:
Liza Solange UMUHIRE
Jean Damascene HAZUZIMANA
Jean Pierre SANGWA
The Budget: 47500 Rwandan Francs = $85
After losing her husband and home during the 1994 Rwandan genocide, Languida was living a life of poverty. She had been dependent on her husband’s income and her only marketable skill was sewing. She began stitching draping cloths for funeral homes to earn a moderate income. Over time, she managed to save her money and began to invest in and grow a funeral business. Sixteen years later her business is thriving. She owns a workshop where coffins are built and has four funeral cars that are well known in Kigali. She makes enough money to pay her child’s school fees, and feed and support them. But despite her financial independence, she must confront death on a daily basis. This story will explore the successes and struggles of a woman working in the funeral industry.
The Team:
Moise TUYISHIMIRE
Laetitia UMULISA
Pamela MUDAKIKWA
The Budget: 48560 Rwandan Francs = $85
French and Kinyarwanda have been the languages of Rwanda, ever since the Belgians colonized the country in 1918. But in 2008, the government declared all administrative offices must conduct business in English and all classes must be taught in English. What are the economic and cultural challenges and opportunities that the shift in language presents? This film will follow four young people from different backgrounds as they adapt to the new policy – individuals who have spent their lives in Rwanda and those whose families fled the country and now have returned.
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