STORY
About Us

Where Stories
Come to Life

Born in Kigali. Built for Africa. IMENA Film Academy started in Huye to prove that world-class cinema can — and should — come from Rwanda.

Film class at IMENA IMENA students
2+
Years of
Excellence
Our Story

Built on a
Conviction

IMENA Film Academy was founded on a single, unshakeable conviction: Rwanda has world-class stories to tell, and world-class talent to tell them. We exist to close the gap between raw creative potential and professional filmmaking craft.

In 2025, a small team of Rwandan filmmakers and educators gathered around a shared frustration — young people with extraordinary creative vision had nowhere to develop it into a viable career. They were self-taught, isolated, and underequipped. IMENA was our answer.

Our approach is radically practical. Students don't just study film: they make film.
From day one, we train and verify production competencies through real-world film practice, alongside mentors who are active industry professionals.

Our Programs Apply Now
2+yr
Years Operating
50+
Graduates
30
Max Cohort Size
6
Programs Offered
What We Stand For

Our Values

Learn by Doing

We believe the best way to learn film is through real production. Students develop skills by actively working on shoots, edits, and creative projects—not just theory.

Strive for Quality

We encourage high standards in every frame, sound, and story. Excellence is not optional—it is part of our creative discipline.

Create Together

Filmmaking is teamwork. We build a culture where students, mentors, and partners grow through shared creativity and mutual support.

Think Beyond Limits

We inspire students to explore new ideas, experiment with storytelling, and develop unique artistic voices that reflect their reality.

Tell Stories That Matter

We use film as a tool for social change, addressing real issues in communities and contributing to awareness, dialogue, and transformation.

Build Future Creators

We equip young filmmakers with skills, confidence, and opportunities to grow into professionals and creative leaders in the industry.

Work with Purpose

We value commitment, responsibility, and consistency. Every project is treated with professionalism and respect for deadlines and quality.

Keep Evolving

We believe learning never stops. Students and staff continuously improve through feedback, practice, and new challenges in the industry.

Journey

Our Story So Far

2024 — Founded
IMENA is Born

A group of Rwandan filmmakers and educators formally establish IMENA Film Academy in Huye. The founding vision: build the most practically-focused film school on the continent.

2025 March — Launch
First Cohort Admitted

15 students are selected for Cohort 1 across four programs Directing, Sound Recording, Editing, Cinematography, and Screenwriting. Classes begin in Ngoma Sector of Huye.

2025 — Growth
Cohort 2 & New Programs

Cohort 2 begins producing socially driven shortfilms and audiovisual projects in partnership with organizations and community initiatives focused on social awareness across District.

2025 — Regional Collaboration
IMENA Co produces BROKEN SILENCE

A short film created in collaboration with Transparency International Rwanda and Rwanda Integrity Ambassador under the Inclusive Service Delivery Africa ISDA project. The film addresses sextortion and integrity issues affecting students and communities across several African countries.

2025 — Education Partnerships
TVET & Secondary School Collaborations

IMENA expands its educational outreach through partnerships with TVET institutions and secondary schools to support practical multimedia and film education.

2025 — Program Expansion & Community Impact
New Training Programs & Applied Learning

IMENA Production & Film Academy expands its curriculum with a stronger focus on industry-ready skills, introducing an advanced 3D Animation program to meet growing demand in digital content and post-production.

2025 — Film as a Tool for Social Dialogue
Community Screenings & Advocacy Impact

IMENA-produced films are increasingly used beyond festivals and classrooms as tools for community engagement and dialogue. Screenings are conducted in collaboration with institutions such as the Rwanda National Police, schools, and partners under the ISDA Inclusive Service Delivery Africa initiative.

2026 — Internship Opportunity
A Refined TVET Internship Training Programs

the academy launches a dedicated internship program for Multimedia Production students from secondary schools and TVET institutions.

2026 — Professional Training & Workshops
Sound Recording Workshop with Industry Expert RPDFI Studio

IMENA hosts a specialized Sound Recording Workshop facilitated by TD Jack Muhindo, focusing on professional audio production for film and multimedia

The People

Meet the Team

Working filmmakers and educators who bring real industry experience into every classroom.

BENIMANA Moise Patrick
BENIMANA Moise Patrick
Co-Founder & Executive Director

Award-winning documentary filmmaker with 6 years in East African television and film production.

UWINEZA Jean Francois Regis
UWINEZA Jean Francois Regis
Co-Founder & Art Director

a A 3D artist generalist Known for transforms dreams into immersive 3D visual.

UWAMAHORO Vestine
UWAMAHORO Vestine
Film Produce & Held a Masters in Financial

Produced 2 Movies That position creative work as a tool for advocacy and transformation

MWENEDATA Caleb
MWENEDATA Caleb
Producer & Director

A rising voice in Rwanda’s creative scenes. Directed TV Series on ZACU TV & CANAL+

TWAMBAZE MUHOZA Bertin
TWAMBAZE MUHOZA Bertin
Mentor & Head of Scriptwriting

Internationally Trained Visionary in Film. Bachelor of Film & TV Production.

NZASABIMANA Valens
NZASABIMANA Valens
Sound Recording Lead

Location sound recordist. Foley artist and sound designer.

IRIBAGIZA Justine
IRIBAGIZA Justine
Admissions & Student Support

Digital Multimedia production. Dedicated to making film education accessible to all.

Partners & Supporters
MOYA Logo
Kigali Creative Hub Logo
Rwanda Film Office Logo
District Huye Logo