Montreal Remembers – RWANDA: "KWIBUKA 30" – Vues d’Afrique Festival

Montreal, Quebec — On the occasion of its 40th anniversary, the prestigious Vues d’Afrique International Film Festival, presented by Québécor and hosted by Guzzo Cinemas, paid a heartfelt tribute to Rwanda through a series of impactful cultural and commemorative events. This initiative was part of the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the genocide against the Tutsis in Rwanda—a moment of remembrance and transmission deeply rooted in values of peace, resilience, and culture.

The event, titled Page Rwanda, highlighted Rwanda’s rich cultural heritage with a program combining cinema, music, cuisine, and personal testimonies. Three films, screened at Guzzo Cinemas, captivated the audience by emphasizing the duty of remembrance and intergenerational transmission.

"Rwanda is a precious country, an inspiring country, one that has managed to rise from an indescribable tragedy. Each year, Vues d’Afrique takes time to celebrate this resilience with the Rwandan community in Montreal," said Bertin, president of the Page Rwanda association and organizer of the “Youth and Culture” day.

Trésor Senga, founder and president-director of the Mashariki Festival (based in Kigali), took the opportunity during the ceremony to present a symbolic partnership trophy to Vues d’Afrique—an act of friendship that highlighted eight years of cultural collaboration.

"This trophy represents our fraternal bond. In November, during the 10th anniversary of the Mashariki Festival in Rwanda, Canada will be the guest country of honor, and Vues d’Afrique will be represented," he proudly stated.

Among the evening's highlights was the premiere of the documentary Patrick Norman in Rwanda – The Duty of Remembrance, directed by Charles Domingue, which deeply moved the audience.

"This documentary traces three weeks of joy in Rwanda and pays tribute to the song Quand on est en amour, which brought hope to so many Rwandans in 1994," explained the director, warmly greeting the Rwandan diaspora in Montreal.

Singer Patrick Norman, touched by his experience in Rwanda, said: "This country is a model for humanity. I saw light there, love, and exceptional resilience. The Rwandan people are an example to follow."

Through these initiatives, Vues d’Afrique seeks to deliver a powerful message of hope, reconciliation, and unity.

"It is vital to remember, but also to move forward together. Rwanda is full of talent, and our role is to create spaces where these voices can be heard," emphasized the organizing team.

A special tribute was paid to Gérard Le Chêne and Géraldine, iconic figures of the festival, for their ongoing commitment to promoting African cinema and art in Montreal.

"Organizing such an event requires courage, passion, and unwavering faith in the power of culture. Congratulations to the entire Vues d’Afrique team!" concluded one speaker, to a round of applause.

Founded in 1984, the Vues d’Afrique International Film Festival is one of the most important cultural events in North America dedicated to African and Caribbean cinema and cultures. Over forty years, it has become an essential platform for the dissemination of stories filled with hope, history, and humanity.