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Nyiragitwa: Daughter of Sacyega

In 17th century Rwanda, Nyiragitwa rebels against early marriage, choosing to breed cows for wealth. She falls for Munyantore, faces adversity, becomes a Vizier, and defies tradition to marry him, embracing love and destiny amidst war and prejudice.

  • Fiston Mudacumura
    Director
  • Fiston Mudacumura
    Writer
  • Fiston Mudacumura
    Producer
  • Devothe Nyiramana
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Animation, Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 30, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    18,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Rwanda
  • Country of Filming:
    Rwanda
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital 3D
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Fiston Mudacumura

Fiston Mudacumura, a Rwandan writer, director, and producer, has made significant strides in the world of film and television. His journey began in 2013 when he lent his storytelling prowess to a children's program on TV10 Rwanda.
In 2016, Fiston achieved recognition with "Bicycle Taxi Man," a film showcased at the Focus on Ability Film Festival in Australia and online. Subsequently, he directed the captivating animated film "Dreams of Sugira," which gained acclaim at numerous prestigious film festivals in 2022, including Clapperboard Golden Festival, Festival del Cinema di Cefalù, One Earth Awards, ROFIFE, Monaco Streaming Film Festival, Kinofestival "Light of the World," Kwetu International Animation Film Festival (KIAFF), The 4th Meihodo International Youth Visual Media Festival, and First-Time Filmmaker Sessions @ Pinewood Studios.
In 2017, Fiston participated in episode 3 of the TUKO Film web series, a capacity-building project by Germany's Goethe Institut and Yole Africa in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. From 2018 to 2019, he served as the Line Producer and Production Manager for the Karani Ngufu series, another capacity-building endeavor by Europäisches Filmzentrum Babelsberg and Kwetu Film Institute.
In 2020, Fiston continued his contributions to the film industry by working as a Production Manager and Line Producer for the documentary film "Lake Women," part of a capacity-building project supported by Europäisches Filmzentrum Babelsberg and Kwetu Film Institute.
Fiston Mudacumura's career is marked by a commitment to nurturing emerging talent and creating impactful films that have left an indelible mark on international film festivals, showcasing his exceptional talent as a director.

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Director Statement

I had the privilege of directing an enchanting short animation film set in 17th Century Rwanda, entitled "Nyiragitwa: Daughter of Sacyega." This cinematic masterpiece unfolds the captivating narrative of Nyiragitwa, a resolute teenage girl who defies the deeply ingrained tradition of early marriage. Instead, she embarks on an extraordinary odyssey, persuading her father to endorse her ambitions in cattle breeding as a means of measuring wealth.
As Nyiragitwa matures into a prosperous young woman, she grapples with the stirring of intricate emotions ignited by a customary marriage ceremony. Her quest for love with the hesitant Munyantore plays out against the backdrop of an impending war, unearthing profound revelations and subjecting her to trials that push the boundaries of her resilience.
"Nyiragitwa: Daughter of Sacyega" serves as a poignant testament to the indomitable human spirit, an inspiring narrative of courage, sacrifice, and triumph against formidable odds. It delves into themes of tradition, love, and destiny, extending a heartfelt invitation to viewers to accompany Nyiragitwa on her remarkable voyage of self-discovery and transformation.
Through this film, my aspiration is to transport audiences to the vividly depicted 17th Century Rwanda, offering a window into a world steeped in rich cultural heritage and enduring human emotions. I fervently hope that "Nyiragitwa: Daughter of Sacyega" will not only entertain but also kindle inspiration, serving as a reminder that the pursuit of one's dreams and the embrace of love can lead to unforeseen and extraordinary destinations.
My commitment to nurturing emerging talent and crafting films that resonate deeply with audiences remains unwavering. "Nyiragitwa: Daughter of Sacyega" embodies the culmination of my artistic vision and unwavering dedication to the art of filmmaking. I am profoundly thrilled to share this captivating story with the world, with the hope that it will touch hearts and leave a lasting impact.