After successful establishment of events in Paris, Cannes and Guinea, girls from French film and culture sorority will support the girls and expand their international reach with a new initiative in the Rwandan capital, Kigali.
The girls, launched in 2019 by producer Vanessa Zian and public relations officer Karolyn Raibovich, will host a five-day program in Kigali, with Elian Umheer leading the way, and Franco Landan actress and producer.
Umcher, who starred in Planet B, which he performed at last year’s Venice Film Festival, said hosting an event in Rwanda would be particularly meaningful because it is a land of resilience and rebirth recognized for its commitment to ecology, gender equality and women’s representation.
“Kigali is a dynamic and creative capital that embodies this positive energy,” she continues, adding that the country she was born in is “a moving place where culture, innovation and sisters come together.”
The five-day program, held from November 21-25, brings together artists, entrepreneurs, creatives and decision makers, combining encounters, master classes, screenings, networking opportunities and dinners.
The idea behind the initiative is to build a cultural bridge between Rwanda and France, highlighting women’s creativity and leadership. As such, the girls have registered several major sponsors to support the event, including the French Film and Television Promotion Organization, Canal+Foundation and Canal+University, the French Institute of Rwanda, and Orgsinefems Rwanda.
Key guests to attend include not only French Senegalese filmmaker Katy Lena Ndiaye (“Waiting”) to present the master class, but also producer Ghislaine Choupas-Loobeyck and Jacqueline Murekeyisoni, head of Ciné femmes Rwanda.
Djian, whose production banner Daidai film became part of the Newen Group in 2023, and Leibovici, founder of A&K Communication, will support girls and bring together female producers, actresses, executives, and diverse talents coming from the film, television, media and music industries.
Canal+’s involvement in the initiative reflects the ambitions of French pay television groups and the growth of their footprint on the African continent. Banner recently completed the acquisition of South Africa’s leading pay television company, Multichoice Group, and has pledged to invest in South African content and work with local producers and talent.
