Will Prosper Producteur Montrealais nous révèle les coulisses de film Kubana

Producer Will Prosper is bringing international attention to Kubana, a documentary directed by Jessica Alinaya that explores life in Rwanda decades after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Through stories of coexistence and reconciliation, the film examines how people can rebuild relationships after profound suffering.

For Prosper, the documentary offers lessons that extend beyond Rwanda, particularly in a world increasingly divided by political and social conflicts.

“Rwanda can teach us something, and Rwanda must teach us something,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from the country's experience rather than relying exclusively on Western perspectives.

Prosper explained that the production benefited from local collaborators and the groundwork Alinaya had established in Rwanda. However, renewed conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of the Congo created insurance-related restrictions that prevented the team from accessing certain locations.

Beyond its historical subject, Kubana also seeks to challenge stereotypes about African countries by highlighting Rwanda's vibrant culture, entrepreneurship and youthful energy.

Prosper believes the film industry in Quebec and Canada must do more to support Black and Afro-descendant filmmakers, particularly in distribution and access to funding. He argues that their stories can connect with audiences internationally while enriching Quebec's cultural landscape.

“Jessica Alinaya has a unique lens, she has a particular vision, and you can feel it in this film,” he said.

At the time of the interview, the documentary was circulating at film festivals, with a screening at the Montreal International Documentary Festival (RIDM) planned for November. A release on Natif TV around April or May was also anticipated.

For Prosper, Kubana is not simply a film about Rwanda or the genocide. It is an invitation to reflect on humanity, coexistence and the courage required to move forward without perpetuating cycles of revenge.

As he explained, “I think it takes more courage not to seek revenge.”