Rwanda’s Richard Mugwaneza returned from the recent Talent Campus Durban rich in ideas that have influenced his feature film project, Clin D’oeil (A Wink), based on the Rwandan environmental situation.
“Prior to the Talent Campus Durban I wasn’t aware of the many important things that you need to attract investment to a project,’ says the 21-year-old filmmaker. “But after the pitching session my project has now taken on a new and exciting dimension. I’ve incorporated some vital perspectives on global warming and climate change.’
Talent Campus Durban exposed Mugwaneza to a number of invaluable contacts and he notes that there was much to learn. “I think African films are now comparing very well with international productions. However, Rwandan filmmakers still lack the courage to produce great stories with international appeal.’
Mugwaneza now has his sights set for this year’s UN Framework Convention on Climate Change conference in Durban in December, where he hopes to create more synergies. He also hopes to be accepted into next February’s Berlinale Talent Campus. (Report by Martin Chemhere)
