The Mashariki African Film Festival has unveiled the full list of nominees for the Mashariki Awards 2025, which will take place in Kigali from November 22 to 29, 2025.
This year’s competition features 160 nominees across more than 20 categories, including household names in Rwanda’s film industry such as Clapton, Papa Sava, Nyambo, Madedeli, and Bamenya, alongside emerging talents making their mark.
The 2025 edition aims to celebrate long-standing film icons while uplifting new voices, reinforcing Rwanda’s cinema as a growing force on the international stage.
Traditionally, the festival has focused on honoring African filmmakers and talents, but this year it is breaking new ground: for the first time, two cars will be awarded to winners of the People’s Choice Actor and People’s Choice Actress categories.
In addition, the week-long event will host a three-day “Mashariki Market,” expected to attract more than 500 industry representatives from the United States, Canada, Europe, and across Africa.
The festival theme for 2025 is “Creative Horizons,” highlighting how African artists are using creativity and technology to reshape the narrative of Africa, reclaim ownership of their stories, and showcase the richness of the continent’s culture.
Festival director Trésor Senga explained: “This year’s theme reflects a major shift in how Africa is represented through film. African filmmakers are reclaiming their stories, redefining the continent’s image, and creating new pathways for how the world understands Africa’s past, present, and future.” He emphasized that the festival will serve as both a tribute to African cinema legends and a platform to support rising stars determined to transform the industry.
Beyond the People’s Choice categories, all other awards will be decided by a professional jury. Online voting will also be held, with voters receiving back 20% of the funds spent on voting for their favorite nominees.
The festival will also extend its activities to five provinces of Rwanda, where filmmakers will screen their works, engage in community service, and interact with audiences.
Key Categories
Best Actor
Nominees include Mugisha Emmanuel (Kibonke, Deceiver), Benimana Ramadhan (Bamenya, Bamenya Series), Irunga Longin (Tukowote, Kaliza wa Kalisa), Dusabimana Israel (Papa Tracy, Impanga Series), Niyitegeka Gratien (Papa Sava, Seburikoko), among others.
Best Actress
Nominees include Mumararungu Joyeuse (Micky, IgiHome), Ahishakiye Nadine (Aisha, The Devil), Niyonkuru Aimee (Nyambo, The Devil), Dusenge Clenia (Madedele, Papa Sava), Mukasekuru Hadidja (Fabiola, The Devil), and many more.
Best Supporting Actors & Actresses, Upcoming Actor/Actress, Lifetime Achievement, Best Feature Film, Best TV Series, Best Web Series, and several technical awards such as Best Director, Best Screenwriter, Best Sound Engineer, Best Costume Design, Best Editor, and Best Media House Partner (including Igihe.com, InyaRwanda.com, and Chita Magic) are also featured.
Notable feature films in competition include Mucoma, Ibyahishuwe, Deceiver, The Money, Amahanga Arahanda, Above the Grave, Sacred Love, The Incubation, Fate, Stick Around, Save My Marriage, and Bad Girl.
TV series such as Hurts Harder, Indoto, Kaliza wa Kalisa, City Maid, Shuwa Dilu, Seburikoko, and Iryamukuru are also nominated.
Web series in the running include Behind Series, Bamenya, Umutima Umenetse, Inzira y’Umusaraba, Hell in Heaven, Umuruho Wanjye, Lovers Cage, The Devil, Papa Sava, IgiHome, Intimba ya Lavie, My Heart, Umuturanyi, Family Issue, Ibanga Series, My Daughter, and Tears of Love.
With its expanded scope and groundbreaking prizes, the Mashariki Awards 2025 is poised to make history as one of the most ambitious and influential editions to date.
Author: Justinmind HARERIMANA
