Experiencing Interruptions?

DREAM STAGE

A captivating 24-minute documentary following the Afro-diasporic group Zunza as they pursue their dream of performing on the big stage at a prestigious festival in Toronto. Behind the excitement of this long-awaited opportunity, the film unveils the challenges, setbacks, and small victories that shape the journey of emerging artists. Initially believing they would share the stage with headliners, Zunza faces the humbling realities of the music industry with determination and resilience. Dream Stage delves deep into their passion, highlighting the perseverance and solidarity required to carve out a place in the artistic world.

  • Richard Richard
    Director
    Nota Bene, Chora Chora, A Seed of Memories
  • Richard Richard
    Writer
    Nota Bene, Chora Chora, A Seed of Memories
  • Richard Richard
    Producer
    Nota Bene, Chora Chora, A Seed of Memories
  • Alain "Slim Sozz" Manzi
    Key Cast
  • Esli ray "Bledo" Sinavyigeze
    Key Cast
  • Alec "Hookillah" Kaze
    Key Cast
  • Ally Sevani Kayumba
    Key Cast
  • Aime "Lerenoi" Mugisha
    Key Cast
  • Tim "Ross" Carby
    Key Cast
  • Esli ray "Bledo" Sinavyigeze
    Executive Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short
  • Runtime:
    24 minutes 26 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 8, 2025
  • Production Budget:
    7,500 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada, Rwanda
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English, French
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, 4K
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • 41e Festival international de cinéma Vues d’Afrique
    Montreal
    Canada
    April 4, 2025
    Quebec Premiere
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Richard Richard

Richard Mugwaneza is a Rwandan filmmaker based in Montreal, crafting powerful narratives for the past 15 years. An alumnus of L’INIS, Berlinale Talents, and Durban Talents, he was mentored by director Lee Isaac Chung. His films, including Nota Bene, Chora-Chora, Dream Stage, and Neo Ancienne, have been showcased at prestigious festivals worldwide, earning multiple accolades. He is currently developing his first feature film, Muntu, while also leading Briday, a company specializing in wedding films.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Dream Stage

For the past 15 years, I have been telling stories that explore identity, resilience, and the pursuit of dreams. Dream Stage is a deeply personal film that reflects the struggles and triumphs of artists navigating a world that often overlooks their voices.

As a filmmaker, I am drawn to human stories that reveal the raw emotions behind ambition—the moments of doubt, the sacrifices, and the unwavering belief that keeps artists moving forward. Dream Stage captures this journey through the eyes of Zunza, an Afro-diasporic group whose dream of performing on a grand stage collides with the reality of the industry. Their experience is one I know well: the mix of excitement and disappointment, the constant push against invisible barriers, and the resilience needed to keep creating, despite the odds.

This film is not just about a performance—it’s about what it means to fight for a space, to own a narrative, and to embrace the journey as much as the destination. It is a reflection of my own path as a filmmaker, where every challenge has been a lesson, and every setback has fueled a deeper commitment to storytelling.

Through Dream Stage, I want to celebrate artists who dare to dream, who redefine success on their own terms, and who find strength in community. This is a film about hope, about persistence, and ultimately, about the power of believing in one's art.