An upcoming feature film, "The Battle of Bisesero," is poised to shed light on one of the most harrowing periods in Rwanda's history: the massacres that occurred in Bisesero during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This ambitious project aims to capture the essence of courage, survival, and the profound resilience that continues to be a cornerstone of Rwanda's national memory. The Ministry of Youth and Arts is actively supporting this initiative, having hosted a press briefing to highlight the film's significance and its powerful narrative.

Currently in production and slated for completion by mid-year, "The Battle of Bisesero" marks a pivotal moment in African cinema. It is set to be one of the first major features on the Rwandan genocide to be conceived and executed entirely by African filmmakers and creative talents. The film's producers underscore their commitment to strengthening African-led storytelling, ensuring that this sensitive history is handled with meticulous care, accuracy, and moral responsibility. A core objective is to inspire young Africans to embrace their history and become vigilant custodians of its recounting, ensuring that such narratives are preserved and understood for future generations.

Bisesero, located in what is now Karongi District in Rwanda's Western Province, is tragically remembered as a focal point of intense violence during the genocide. The film specifically recounts the true experiences of men and women who mounted courageous resistance against genocidal forces in the region's hills, particularly as genocidaires retreated westward in the face of the advancing Rwanda Patriotic Front (Inkotanyi). Survivors from areas like Muyira hill bravely fended off repeated attacks, embodying an unwavering spirit of defiance.

The film is helmed by the acclaimed South African filmmaker Mandla Dube, known for his ability to craft compelling narratives. The central story revolves around a young girl, Epiphanie, and her father, Aminadabu Birara, as they navigate the brutal realities of the genocide, determined to resist attacks and choose life amidst overwhelming danger. Dube emphasizes that the film seeks to empower young people, especially young girls, by showing that their experiences are valid and that they possess the innate strength to forge their own futures.

London-born actor Wale Ojo, who splits his career between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, delivers a central performance as Aminadabu Birara. Birara is a real-life hero whose extraordinary story anchors the film. Despite being vastly outnumbered and outgunned, he led a group of Tutsi vigilantes who staunchly refused to succumb to their fate. Rather than passively awaiting death, they actively chose resistance, holding their ground against seemingly insurmountable odds. Birara's life story is one of enduring survival, having previously weathered earlier waves of violence and persecution targeting the Tutsi community in 1959, 1962, 1963, and 1973, as well as the tumultuous period following the launch of the liberation struggle by the RPF.

Ugandan actress Tracy Kababiito, a versatile talent recently seen in Netflix's "African Folktales Reimagined," portrays Epiphanie, Birara's daughter. She expressed profound honor in being part of a story she believes is crucial for global understanding and balanced representation, noting that many still lack a full comprehension of the 1994 events. Kababiito shared that as a young person, she draws lessons of determination and forgiveness from the narrative, articulating a powerful understanding: "Forgiveness is not about excusing the past. It is about freeing yourself so that what happened does not define who you are today."

The script for "The Battle of Bisesero" was co-written by Nigerian filmmaker Ema Edosio-Deelen and the award-winning Rwandan director and screenwriter Joël Karekezi, celebrated internationally for his 2018 film "The Mercy of the Jungle," which earned the Golden Stallion for Best Film at FESPACO. The project is further bolstered by the involvement of Emmy Award-winning producer Richard Hall, whose documentary "The 600: A Soldiers' Story," offering another perspective on Rwanda in 1994, is available on Amazon Prime. The development phase alone spanned over three years, involving extensive research trips to Bisesero and numerous heartfelt conversations with survivors and individuals intimately connected to the region's history.

Lead actor Wale Ojo reflected on the project as a significant paradigm shift in how African stories are conveyed. He described Rwanda as a nation whose intricate past and vibrant present deserve to be depicted with unwavering honesty and pride, asserting that African filmmakers are now resolutely taking command of their own narratives. Additional cast members are expected to be announced, further enriching this deeply significant cinematic endeavor.