The launch ceremony, held in Kigali recently, marked Rwanda's debut as a host country for the prestigious awards, which recognize filmmakers, actors and other key contributors shaping Africa's growing cinema industry. Rwanda becomes the fourth country to host iKON Activate in 2025, following earlier editions in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda.
iKON Activate serves as a precursor to the main iKON Awards ceremony, creating a platform to connect filmmakers, media professionals, policymakers and private investors. The initiative focuses on discussions around collaboration, investment opportunities and the sustainable growth of Africa's film sector.
The iKON Awards 2026 will be held under the theme 'Beyond Borders', highlighting African storytelling and encouraging cross-border collaboration among filmmakers on the continent. The theme reflects iKON's broader mission of positioning African cinema on the global stage while fostering unity across national film industries.
Speaking at the event, Humphrey Nabimanya, the Chief Executive Officer of iKON Awards, said Kigali was selected because of Rwanda's growing reputation as a hub for creativity and innovation.
'We want to tell African stories through collaboration,' Nabimanya said. 'National film industries play a crucial role in shaping how Africa is presented to the world, just as other creative sectors have done successfully.'
He added that Kigali is emerging as one of the promising centres for cinema in East Africa, noting that iKON Activate provides a unique space where filmmakers, government institutions and private sector players can align efforts to boost investment and partnerships within the industry.
Previous iKON Activate editions have already yielded tangible results. The inaugural event in Nigeria brought together prominent filmmakers from Nigeria and Uganda, film associations and industry stakeholders, including Directors Guild of Nigeria President Uche Agbo, Viva Cinemas Nigeria's Patrick Lee, representatives from FDAN, and renowned actor and director Ramsey Nouah.
As a result of these engagements, iKON signed a collaboration agreement with veteran Ugandan actor Michael Wawuyo Sr., who will feature in an upcoming Nigerian film titled Dambe, directed by Ramsey Nouah and produced by Sauti Plus Media Hub.
Additionally, iKON launched a joint Ugandaâ€"Kenya film project under the O3plus Project, supported by Reach A Hand Uganda, Imara TV and UNESCO. The film addresses pressing youth challenges, including gender-based violence and teenage pregnancies, demonstrating iKON's commitment to using cinema as a tool for social change.
Rwandan filmmaker Ndayirukiye Fleury 'The Legend', founder of BahAfrica and husband to acclaimed actress Usanase Bahavu Jannet, welcomed the arrival of iKON Awards in Rwanda. He said local filmmakers were encouraged by the transparency and professionalism of the awards.
'After understanding how the awards operate â€" from the selection process to the jury system â€" we were convinced they are fair and credible,' he said. 'That is why we are willing to participate if our films meet the required standards.'
He revealed that Rwanda has already submitted 26 films to compete in the upcoming iKON Awards, a sign of the country's growing confidence and ambition within the continental film industry.
With Kigali now part of the iKON Awards journey, Rwanda's film sector stands to gain increased visibility, stronger partnerships and new opportunities on the African and global cinema stage.
IGIHE
