With his latest short film Uje (2023) making its way from Burkina Faso’s FESPACO to Berlin’s Afrikamera and beyond, Rwandan filmmaker Jean Luc Mitana is proving that Rwanda’s stories belong on the global stage. Over nearly two decades, Mitana has established himself as a director, cinematographer, and founder of Inzu Films Production Company, shaping the identity of Rwanda’s growing film industry.
Early career and collaborations
Mitana’s film journey began in 2006 when he joined the Almond Tree Films Collective, a creative hub for Rwanda’s emerging storytellers. His breakthrough came in 2009 as cinematographer for Maibobo, directed by Yves Montand Niyongabo. The film, which told the story of Kigali’s street children, premiered at the Rotterdam International Film Festival in 2010 and went on to win an award at the Festival Cinema Africano d’Asia e America Latina in Milan the following year.
In 2010, Mitana stepped into the director’s chair with SAA-IPO, a short film shot in Kigali with support from the Tribeca Film Institute. It premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2011 before screening at major international events including the Durban International Film Festival and AfryKamera in Poland. These early successes marked him as part of a new wave of African filmmakers making their presence felt on the global circuit.
His path also led him into documentary filmmaking. He worked as cinematographer on Strength in Fear (2012) and later collaborated with Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo on Behind the World (2014), exploring themes of identity and history. That same year, Mitana was selected for Berlinale Talents in Berlin, where he honed his craft as part of the Editing Studio program.
Building a body of work
Mitana’s filmography reflects a balance between fiction and documentary, always rooted in socially conscious storytelling. He directed Damali (2015) and Kai the Vendor (2016), continuing to explore themes of resilience and everyday struggles. His versatility—taking on roles as director, cinematographer, and even actor—has made him one of Rwanda’s most adaptable and consistent voices in cinema.
Uje (2023): A new chapter
The release of Uje in 2023 marked a new chapter in Mitana’s career. The 19-minute drama, written and directed by Mitana, stars Daniel Gaga, Mwema Nyampatse Mediatrice, and Shema Gisubizo Cedric.
Uje quickly gained momentum on the festival circuit, securing selections at prestigious international events, including:
Fespaco (Burkina Faso)
Khouribga International Film Festival (Morocco)
Festival du Cinéma d’Afrique Lausanne (Switzerland)
Écrans Noirs Film Festival (Cameroon)
Afrikamera Film Festival Berlin (Germany)
Madagascarcourt (Madagascar)
Entrevues Belfort Film Festival (France)
Festival du Court au Kef (Tunisia)
Following these screenings, Uje also entered cinemas in France, Tunisia, Germany, and Madagascar in late 2023—an impressive feat for a short Rwandan film, and a sign of how far Mitana’s storytelling has traveled.
Legacy and vision
From his early role on Maibobo to the international recognition of Uje, Jean Luc Mitana has shown that Rwandan filmmakers can craft stories with both local authenticity and global relevance. His work reflects a dual commitment: to elevate Rwanda’s cinematic identity and to bring its untold stories into international conversations.
Through Inzu Films Production, Mitana continues to collaborate and support fellow creatives, helping build a foundation for Rwanda’s next generation of filmmakers. His journey demonstrates that perseverance, vision, and storytelling craft can transform Rwanda’s narratives into shared global experiences.
