Rwanda Media Project: Strengthening the film and media industry

Burdened by its past conflicts, Rwanda's film and media industry is still in its early stages. To date, there has been no professional training in the areas of directing, camera work, sound or editing. Starting in spring 2014 DW Akademie, in cooperation with the #link:http://kwetufilminstitute.com/#, is offering a brand new two-year training program for media designers. The training is based on the German dual model.

From left to right: Eric Kabera, director; Martin Brandes, CIM; Edward Kalisa, ministry for sports and culture; Pamela Schobess, DW Akademie, Angelika Stute und Axel Geiss, European Film Center

"Vocational training in the area of media design does not exist in Rwanda and we're looking forward to establishing this as a profession here," says DW Akademie project manager, Pamela Schobes. "All the training will be practice-oriented, and after completing the program trainees will be able to work in the media industry as cutters or camera operators and sound technicians." DW Akademie trainers will initially teach the 15 participants; African professionals will then take over, after having completed a train-the-trainer course.

In-depth workshops will also be offered throughout the year by Volker Schlöndorff and the #link:http://www.europeanfilmcenter.de/#. The week-long courses are aimed at young professionals and will provide a foundation in the areas of producing, artistic and technical design (camera, sound, film montage) and editing/directing. Advanced students will have the possibility to attend master classes with internationally renowned directors, camera operators and producers, in cooperation with African filmmakers.

The "Rwanda Media Project" is planned to run for two years and is funded by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.