The Rwandan Film Movement: Creative Arts as Social Commentary in the Works of Women Filmmakers

Posted: 22 Mar 2018

Date Written: 2018

Abstract

Film has become an emerging mode of empowerment for Rwandan women as they navigate dynamics of post-conflict Rwanda. This popularized tradition cultivates artistic license for women to speak out on social justice issues; addressing gendered disparities, education, empowerment, children's rights, violence, diasporic experiences, and trauma, as well as contemporary interpersonal relationships. Film serves as a dynamic medium to examine the intersecting issues that women are facing given that the content women are producing through their work can contravene gender norms and illustrate women's agency. Further, their narratives can broaden representations of post-conflict reconstruction mediated by the country. Their participation in the film industry has previously been greatly under-studied, particularly for its critical complex of social commentary. The following analysis will also explore ways Rwandan women's representations and participation in the film sector occupies civic space for women centered dialogue that can engender different modes of social justice through the intersections of film practice, gender, and creative expression. This analysis is concerned with two main questions. One, as the film sector progresses, in what ways are Rwandan women filmmakers participating in the emerging industry and how does their involvement engage with and/or contravene socio-economic and political developments on the ground? Two, how can film be used to galvanize cultural transformations on the importance of women and girls in society? Films discussed will include Marie-Clementine Dusabejambo's "A Place for Myself", Ella Liliane Mutuyimana's "Strength in Fear," Ndimbira Claudine (Shenge)'s "SHE," and Amelia Umuhire's "Mugabo."

Suggested Citation

Dantzler, Camille, The Rwandan Film Movement: Creative Arts as Social Commentary in the Works of Women Filmmakers (2018). ASA 2018 Annual Meeting Paper, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3145820

Camille Dantzler (Contact Author)

Howard University ( email )

2400 Sixth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20059
United States

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