Having always been a cinephile, Remy Ryumugabe’s passion for films was so intense that his family thought it was excessive.
Growing up in Nyamirambo, Nyarugenge District, where cinemas existed before any other place in Rwanda, he often got into trouble for sneaking out to watch movies, even though he could watch them at home.
In a recent interview with The New Times, Ryumugabe recalls that, even back then, he understood that watching a film in a cinema offered a unique experience.
“In 2002, I watched ‘American Beauty’ by Sam Mendes, and there was a scene where Ricky Fitts shows a video of a plastic bag being blown around by the wind. It had a profound impact on me,” he says.
“Ricky describes it as the most beautiful thing he’s ever filmed, emphasizing the beauty found in everyday moments.”
“This scene inspired me to start filming, as I wanted to recreate the emotions it stirred in me. I used whatever camcorder I could find, though I wasn’t able to edit or refine the footage; I did it purely for the experience, not with the goal of making a film. Still, I believe this moment continues to influence the way I create films today,” he reflects.
Later, while studying Pharmacy at university, Ryumugabe met someone who shared his passion for cinema and introduced him to filmmaking workshops.
In 2012, he attended a screenwriting lab organised by Maisha Film Lab, and later a couple of workshops on documentary filmmaking, directing, editing, and more.
Much of his learning, he says, was self-taught. Ryumugabe started by working on his friends’ films and eventually began creating his own short films.
Crafting a unique creative style
Ryumugabe is always drawn to capturing the poetic essence of everyday life and discovering beauty in ordinary moments.
“I love experimenting audio visually with the materials I capture or have access to, aiming to recreate that poetic side and share the feelings these moments evoke in me. I also want to give others the space to interpret my work in their own way.
“There’s a line from Tim Dup’s song that I’m obsessed with: ‘How do you find the rightness of a message that means something while leaving important room for poetry?’ This question deeply resonates with my creative process. Each piece of my work is about sharing various experiences and emotions,” Ryumugabe told The New Times.
Memorable projects
Ryumugabe explains that each of his projects reflects his mindset and the influences of his surroundings.
“While we create these projects for ourselves, it’s incredibly rewarding to share them with others and see their impact both in Rwanda and abroad,” he says.
“It’s especially exciting when my films are selected for prominent festivals and exhibitions, such as the Oberhausen International Short Film Festival and the Luxor African Film Festival.”
He also notes the importance of collaboration in his work, saying that it has led to the creation of production companies like KIRURI MFN and KAZI Productions, as well as initiatives like the 250 Film Experiment and its Cine Club.
Challenges
One of Ryumugabe’s biggest challenges was persuading his family to support his decision to pursue cinema instead of pharmacy.
“I’m not sure they fully understand my choice even now,” he admits.
He notes that artists in Africa face common challenges, as pressing national responsibilities can sometimes push art to the background. However, he says that in Rwanda, new initiatives are emerging to support artists in various ways.
Interplay between film and visual art
Ryumugabe’s work seamlessly blends cinema and contemporary art; each aspect extends naturally from the other, he says.
His films, he explains, fit within both the cinema world and the realm of contemporary art. Moreover, his visual art catalogue includes photography, video art, and other contemporary forms, reflecting the ongoing evolution of my artistic curiosity.
“As someone with an interest in science, I am drawn to how both fields rely on creativity, exploration, and meticulous observation. However, art offers more freedom and personal expression, which I find captivating,” he says.
In his work, he often explores themes related to culture, social issues, and personal experiences.
“I am particularly interested in how everyday moments and personal stories reflect broader cultural and social contexts. My approach tends to blend artistic expression with an exploration of human experiences and societal dynamics. Through my films and visual art, I aim to capture the subtleties of these themes, inviting viewers to engage with and reflect on their own perspectives.”
For young filmmakers and artists just starting out, Ryumugabe says the most important thing is to embrace one’s unique vision and stay true to one’s artistic voice by focusing on developing one’s craft through practice and experimentation.
Additionally, he says building a network of supportive collaborators and mentors is also important.
