Beyond the Genocide, a documentary directed by Zion Sulaiman Matovu Mukasa, has won the Best Documentary Feature award at the Impact DOCS Awards, an international film festival based in the United States that has been running for a decade.
The festival, held primarily online, attracts filmmakers from more than 80 countries. Matovu’s production is the first Rwandan film to win at the event. While the festival does not offer monetary prizes—focusing instead on recognition and exposure—the award provides valuable international visibility for filmmakers.
Beyond the Genocide received the Award of Merit Special Mention: Documentary Feature, emerging as the top entry in its category. The win marks Matovu’s first international recognition since the film’s release earlier this year.
Speaking to Africa Diplomacy, Matovu described the award as both a personal milestone and a breakthrough for Rwanda’s film industry.
“Winning this award allows Beyond the Genocide to further share Rwanda’s story and its reconciliation journey with the world,” he said. “It ensures that Rwanda’s history is recognized internationally and demonstrates that Rwandan films can contribute to global conversations about humanity, peace, and reconciliation.”
He added that the recognition creates opportunities for other Rwandan filmmakers to compete confidently on the international stage.
The documentary delves into Rwanda’s history, focusing on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and the country’s transformation into a global symbol of peace, unity, and reconciliation. It features testimonies from genocide survivors, witnesses, convicted perpetrators, and Rwandan youth—together painting a picture of resilience and national rebirth.
Through these voices, the film underscores the power of unity and reconciliation, highlighting how healing is possible when communities work together to safeguard peace.
Although Matovu has previously worked on 11 projects, Beyond the Genocide is his first full-length documentary. He collaborated with filmmakers from Uganda and Kenya to produce the film.
Born in Uganda in 1999, the 26-year-old filmmaker began his career in 2016 before moving to Rwanda in 2018. He has since contributed to several productions, including Dangerous Mom, Nailed, 2020 Series, Alisa, Injustice (featured on Zacu TV), and Zamani, which premiered in 2023.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
