Her determination, resilience, and consistency are what brought her to our screens. I wouldn’t say she is a self-made actress—her actions say so. Guess who?
Gihozo Nshuti Mireille is a Rwandan actress, widely known as Phiona, who made her acting debut in 2019 with the movie called Seven Friends. Since then, she has continued to build her career, starring in well-known Rwandan films such as Ishusho ya Papa (Father’s Portrait).
Her most notable movies include Father’s Portrait, Indoto (a TV series), Mathew High School, and Inzozi, a popular web series. Her talent and dedication earned her the RIMA Award for Best Supporting Actress—further proving her versatility and undeniable skill.
Born on October 15, 1994, in Kigali, Nyamirambo, Mireille is the eldest of two sisters. Now 31, she is also a proud single mother to a nine-year-old son.
Mireille attended GS Kabare for her ordinary-level education and later studied Computer Science and Management at ESAPAG Gitwe. She then enrolled at ULK to pursue a degree in Accounting. However, during her first year, she became pregnant, which led her to temporarily pause her studies.
The news of her pregnancy was overwhelming. She felt like a different person, lost friends, and struggled with self-acceptance. To cope, she moved from Kigali to Muhanga, where she took time to reflect, heal, and embrace her new reality. After nine months, she gave birth to twins, but tragically, one of them did not survive. The father of her children offered no support, yet she refused to give up.
Determined to build a future for herself and her son, Mireille sought employment. In 2017, she applied for a job at Park Inn Hotel as a chef. Despite not having extensive experience, she convinced the management to give her a chance, drawing on short cooking courses she had taken in 2014. She learned from experienced chefs, worked tirelessly, and eventually earned a permanent position. At the same time, she returned to university, balancing work, studies, and motherhood. In 2018, she successfully completed her degree.
Despite her responsibilities, Mireille never abandoned her childhood dream of becoming an actress. She actively searched for casting calls and auditions. Initially, she stumbled upon modeling opportunities but soon found her way to KF TV’s casting call, where she trained for three months.
Her first breakthrough came with Seven Friends, where she appeared in two episodes. Though the series didn’t continue, it gave her the confidence to keep pushing forward. She then auditioned for Indoto, where someone recognized her from Seven Friends—securing her role in the series.
“I knew that if I didn’t fight for my dreams, no one else would,” Mireille said. “At the end of the day, my future was in my hands.”
She continued seeking new roles, determined to grow as an actress. Her persistence led her to more opportunities, and today, she is a well-established name in the industry, starring in Indoto and Inzozi.
Mireille is not only an actress but also an entrepreneur. She continues to work as a chef at Park Inn Hotel and runs a small cake-making business.
When asked about the most challenging scene she has filmed, she recalled a kissing scene. Initially, she feared judgment from others. However, she overcame this hesitation by reminding herself: “No one feeds me, so why should I let their opinions hold me back?” She encourages others to focus on their goals, saying, “People will always judge you, so do what you have to do. That’s what truly matters.”
As someone who has overcome hardships, Mireille shares a message for single mothers: “Don’t let what happened keep you down. It will all pass.” She believes that no matter how difficult the journey, perseverance will always lead to brighter days.
Unlike many who enter the film industry for financial gain, Mireille pursued acting out of pure passion. Her journey wasn’t easy, but her unwavering determination proved that dreams are worth fighting for.
Mireille expresses deep gratitude to her mother for her unwavering support. She also extends her appreciation to Misago Nelly Wilson, the CEO of ZACU Entertainment, saying, “If it weren’t for him, many of us wouldn’t be where we are today.” She further thanks Park Inn Hotel for the opportunities they provided her.
Gihozo Nshuti Mireille’s story is one of perseverance, courage, and self-belief. Through personal struggles and professional challenges, she never lost sight of her dreams. Today, she stands as a role model—proving that no matter where you start, dedication and resilience can lead you to greatness.
Her journey is not just about acting; it’s about inspiring others to rise above their struggles, take control of their future, and never stop believing in themselves.
One Response
Mireille I begins with big thanks and congratulations! For being immortal
Mother! Body can decay, life can end
But motherhood cannot rot!
Big thanks for keep aiming higher levels
And fight for attain.
Also keep aims for high, act, research and pray God will provide
I thank you, I love you somuch Igihozo
God enlarge your chances