An intimate family story told with silence, depth, and emotion.
Few secrets stay hidden forever. In Rwanda’s upcoming family drama IBYAHISHUWE (The Chapters), a single diary threatens to unravel love, trust, and the very foundation of a family. Directed by Roger Niyoyita and produced by Zacu Entertainment in collaboration with Niyo Films & More production.
A story of love, betrayal, and the weight of secrets
At its core, IBYAHISHUWE is a story about what happens when silence becomes heavier than truth. The rediscovery of a diary reopens wounds thought to be buried, testing a marriage and straining the fragile bond between parents and child. Through themes of love, betrayal, and the generational cost of secrecy, the film balances raw intimacy with universal resonance.
The cast bringing intimacy to screen
The film’s strength lies not only in its story but in its performers. Leading roles are played by Kate Katabarwa as Mugabekazi, Eric Rwigema as Mugabo, Alain Samson Mwiyeretsi as Joseph, Maranatha Uwera as Belise, and Ahirwe Bigwi Romeo as Tino.
Many of these names are already familiar to audiences through beloved Rwandan productions, bringing with them a reputation for emotional range and authenticity. Their chemistry on screen ensures characters that feel lived-in, vulnerable, and deeply human.
Behind the camera
Guiding the project is a skilled technical team:
Director & Producer: Roger Niyoyita
Co-writer: Bernard Wanny Musabe
Executive Producer: Misago Wilson
Director of Photography: Louis Udahemuka
Editor: Olivier Abimana
Original production by: ZACU Entertainment
DOP Louis UDAHEMUKA with assistant DOP Valens HABARUGIRA
Together, they crafted a film that prioritizes intimacy over spectacle. With muted blues, flashes of red, and a restrained soundscape, the visuals are designed to amplify emotion rather than distract from it. The result is a cinematic experience that feels both delicate and powerful.
A film rooted in Rwanda, reaching beyond
As Rwandan cinema gains momentum on the international stage, IBYAHISHUWE arrives as a timely addition. Its focus on unspoken truths is deeply grounded in local realities but will echo in homes worldwide. The film will first connect with Rwandan audiences on Zacu TV before embarking on a wider festival run and international distribution.
The director’s vision
For Roger Niyoyita, silence is not simply the absence of words—it is a force that shapes lives. He believes families often conceal pain to maintain appearances, but hidden wounds eventually resurface. With IBYAHISHUWE, he urges audiences to confront these truths head-on, showing that healing begins where silence ends. Though the story is intimate in scale, its message is undeniably universal.
Director, producer and co-writer(Roger NIYOYITA)
Why It matters
What makes IBYAHISHUWE stand out is not only its talented cast and accomplished crew but also the conversations it is bound to spark. This is a film that lingers beyond the screen—challenging viewers to reflect on the silences within their own homes and the unspoken stories that shape their lives.
By daring to confront what is often left unsaid, IBYAHISHUWE positions itself as one of the most powerful Rwandan films of the year.
IBYAHISHUWE (The Chapters) premieres soon on Zacu TV. Prepare for a story that will stir emotions, ignite conversations, and stay with you long after the credits roll.
IBYAHISHUWE behind the scenes of cast and technical crew.
