In the heart of Rubavu — far from the bustling film scene of Kigali — a quiet revolution in Rwandan cinema is unfolding. Leading it is filmmaker Mutuyimana Eric widely known as Ibrahim, a husband, father of two, and the visionary behind Tuzuri Entertainment. His story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep love for his hometown.

Born on August 12, 1985, Ibrahim’s creative journey began not behind the camera, but on stage. Before stepping into filmmaking, he made his name as both a singer and dancer, often performing alongside Rwanda’s renowned artists such as Meddy and The Ben when they visited Rubavu. But even in those early years, he noticed something that would later define his mission — the tendency for audiences to celebrate only Kigali’s stars, overlooking homegrown talent.

“After the concerts, journalists only talked about the artists from Kigali,” he says. “They forgot about those of us from Rubavu who also contributed to making the event a success. I felt ignored — and I wanted to change that.”


That realization became his driving force: to give a voice to talents in his hometown and prove that creativity isn’t confined to the capital.

Ibrahim’s journey into filmmaking began through a youth talent project. His energy and passion quickly earned him a spot as a learner — and through dedication, he rose to become a mentor. Today, he leads by example, training aspiring filmmakers and actors in Rubavu.

When asked why he chose to produce films locally rather than moving to Kigali, his answer reflects both pride and purpose.

“Wherever you are, you can make a good film,” he says. “Rubavu has beautiful locations, talented people, and stories worth telling. I wanted to prove that filmmaking doesn’t have to start in the city.”

For Ibrahim, producing films in his community is not just a career choice — it’s a mission to showcase rural life and highlight the untold stories of ordinary people.

As someone who has lived the life he portrays on screen, Ibrahim believes authenticity is key to great storytelling.

“I tell stories that I’ve lived or seen,” he explains. “That makes people connect with the characters and love the films more.”

His first production, Kimwe Kuri Kimwe, was a short film he originally envisioned as a series. Though modest in scale, it marked a significant step in his filmmaking journey and laid the foundation for future projects under Tuzuri Entertainment — a name that means “small good things” in Kinyarwanda.

“Everything starts small and grows big later,” he says with a smile. “That’s how I see our journey.”

Many of Ibrahim’s films explore real-life issues such as depression, resilience, and community, urging audiences to think deeply about the human stories behind everyday struggles.

Like many filmmakers outside Rwanda’s capital, Ibrahim faces the challenge of limited resources. Funding remains a major obstacle for artists in Rubavu, and professional technical crews are scarce.

“Sometimes I have to take on several roles — director, cinematographer, and even editor,” he admits. “But experience has taught me how to balance what I have. Whether your budget is small or large, you can still make a good film if you use your resources wisely.”

Despite these challenges, his commitment to professional quality never wavers. He sees every obstacle as an opportunity to grow and innovate.

Beyond producing films, Ibrahim has made it his mission to mentor young talents. His approach is practical and rooted in everyday life.

“I don’t teach with theories,” he says. “I talk to them, encourage them to write about what they live and see — to turn their daily lives into stories.”


Today, community members volunteer on sets, offer filming locations, and show genuine enthusiasm for local projects.

“When I began, I was almost alone,” he recalls. “Today, more people are joining, and that gives me hope for the future.”

While Ibrahim appreciates the moral and logistical support from Rubavu District — especially when it comes to film permits — financial support, however, remains limited. Still, he believes knowledge and mentorship are the most valuable resources filmmakers can receive.

“If young people learn and understand what they’re doing, they’ll produce better films,” he says. “Professional training will help them earn money and grow.”

His long-term dream is to see Tuzuri Entertainment expand beyond Rubavu and collaborate with international platforms like Netflix.

“I want us to compete globally,” he says firmly. “And I believe it’s possible.”

To young people in small towns who dream of working in film, Eric offers a message born from experience:

“Know what you want to do. It’s not an easy road — it requires patience and consistency. But if you stay focused, this career can take you places you never imagined.”


Through his work, Mutuyimana Eric Ibrahim isn’t just making films — he’s building a creative movement in Rubavu, one that is giving rise to new voices, new faces, and a new chapter in Rwanda’s growing film industry.