Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo 2024: Samuel Ishimwe has quickly made his mark in the international film community with his short films being shown at major film festivals all around the globe, winning him various awards including a Silver Bear at Berlinale for Imfura.
Early Life and Education
Ishimwe was born in Kigali, Rwanda in 1991 and lived through the Rwandan genocide which claimed over 800,000 lives between 1994-1996 – an experience which would shape his work as a filmmaker years later.
Ishimwe studied film at the Kwetu Film Institute in Kigali. Following graduation, he worked as both journalist and photographer before participating in multiple film workshops led by James Longley (an acclaimed filmmaker).
Career
Ishimwe made his feature film debut with Imfura in 2018, telling the tale of a young boy orphaned by genocide and winning the Silver Bear at Berlin International Film Festival.
Crossing Lines was Ishimwe’s next film released in 2019 and tells the tale of Rwandan refugees trying to rebuild their lives in Belgium. It received the Grand Jury Prize at Pan African Film Festival.
Breaking Ground, Ishimwe’s third film released in 2020, follows a young woman struggling to find herself after genocide and won the Best Feature Film Award at Rwanda Film Festival.
Fish Bowl, directed by Ishimwe and released in 2021, tells the tale of four friends struggling to comprehend life after genocide and was awarded with Best Narrative Feature Film Award from Africa Movie Academy Awards.
Ishimwe films have received praise for their beauty, complexity and humanity; providing an unusual perspective of Rwanda’s genocide and its aftermath. She is sure to continue making waves on the African film scene!
Awards and recognition
- Silver Bear for Best Short Film, Berlin International Film Festival (2018)
- Grand Jury Prize, Pan African Film Festival (2019)
- Best Feature Film Award, Rwanda Film Festival (2020)
- Best Narrative Feature Film Award, Africa Movie Academy Awards (2021)
Conclusion
Outstanding filmmaker Samuel Ishimwe Karemangingo is able to tackle important subjects like trauma, resiliency, and hope through his art.. His films are moving and have won multiple awards at major film festivals around the world; Ishimwe has quickly established himself as an emerging star of Rwandan cinema.
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