Eliane Umuhire is a Rwandan-French actress born in Kigali, Rwanda, in 1986. She is a stage and film performer known for her captivating roles and deep storytelling.
She began her acting career on stage in 2005 while studying at the National University of Rwanda in Butare (now Huye). Her transition to film came in 2014 when she was cast in Birds Are Singing in Kigali, marking the beginning of her cinematic journey.
In an interview with The New Times two years ago, Eliane was asked why the movies she starred in, such as Birds Are Singing in Kigali and Bridge of Roses, often carried messages about the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. She explained that she wanted the world to know what had happened in Rwanda to prevent similar tragedies elsewhere. She emphasized that she never wanted to see such horrors repeated in Rwanda or any other place in the world.
During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Eliane moved from Rwanda to France, where she later acquired French citizenship.
Expanding Horizons: Notable Works and Collaborations
Eliane’s dedication to her craft is evident in her diverse filmography:
Neptune Frost (2021): An Afrofuturist musical directed by Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, where Eliane played the role of Memory. The film was showcased at the Directors’ Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival.
Trees of Peace (2022): Directed by Alanna Brown, this film features Eliane as Annick, one of four women hiding during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The film received critical acclaim and is available on Netflix.
Bazigaga (2022): In this BAFTA-nominated short film directed by Jo Ingabire Moys, Eliane portrayed the titular character, earning her acting awards at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and the Namur International Francophone Film Festival.
Omen (2023): Directed by Baloji, this film, in which Eliane played Tshala, was awarded at the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024): Eliane joined the cast of this anticipated prequel, acting alongside Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, and Djimon Hounsou.
Eliane wit Lupita Nyong’o acting in a quiet place.
The Beauty of Not Giving Up
In her interview with The New Times, Eliane was asked about the beauty of perseverance. She responded:
“It crushes you into pieces to be molded together into something new, and it’s a scary journey because you can’t predict the future. You know, being a Black woman in Western countries is not easy… There were many reasons and hardships that could have hindered me, but I rose above them. Of course, I had my lower moments, and sometimes I felt like giving up, but I didn’t because I knew that whatever was happening in my life, I was going to be all right.”
Her Early Life and Passion for Acting
When asked about her early life and how she discovered acting, Eliane credited her upbringing and personal experiences.
“My parents loved culture and the arts. My mom was always reading, and I always asked myself what was in those books. When I was in Primary 3 and 4, my sister gave me a book and told me that I had to learn how to read. I kept reading and eventually loved it. I spent time sitting where they sold books, reading while I was deeply concentrated.”
Her passion for acting was sparked in secondary school when her French teacher gave students a text to memorize and perform.
“The story was about a man bringing a lost watch to the police, but the officer accused him of theft. The police officer had more lines, and since my role was minor, I begged my classmate to switch with me. I went home and found myself memorizing both roles. The next day, they gave me the police officer’s role. When I performed, there was a moment of silence from my classmates, as if time had stopped. It was as if something—maybe adrenaline—took over me. From that day on, I knew I wanted to be an actress because I felt the power of embodying someone else.”
Despite her passion for acting, Eliane studied accounting in both secondary school and university.
Her Parents’ Influence
During an interview on The Long Form Podcast, Eliane was asked about her parents and whether they were artists since they supported her talent. She explained:
“I would say they were random people; they had a pharmacy business, but they loved culture. My father, in particular, wanted me to learn as many languages as possible. They were just normal citizens, but they wished the world for their children!”
An Inspiration for Rwandan Cinema
Eliane Umuhire’s international recognition serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many aspiring Rwandan actors and actresses. Her journey exemplifies that with talent, perseverance, and resilience, one can overcome obstacles and achieve global acclaim.
“Hardships exist in everyone’s journey, but we just need to rise above them.”
Her story encourages the next generation of Rwandan artists to dream big and pursue their passions, knowing that success on the international stage is within reach.
