Didacienne “Dida” Nibagwire
Rwandan cultural entrepreneur, producer, casting director, and co-founder of L’Espace Kigali
In the Making of Rwanda’s Cultural Renaissance
In Kigali’s growing creative scene, Didacienne “Dida” Nibagwire has emerged as a dynamic cultural figure. Known for her contributions as a producer, casting director, and arts advocate, Dida has been involved in several high-profile film and arts initiatives in Rwanda. Her work is reported to focus on memory, resilience, and storytelling rooted in the collective experience of Rwandan communities.
Early life & multidisciplinary roots
Dida began her artistic journey in performance, reportedly gaining early recognition through her work in Rwandan television and theatre. Some of her earliest roles were said to center on civic engagement and children’s rights, though her exact credits remain minimally documented. Interviews and profiles suggest that her upbringing—shaped by personal experiences of displacement and silence—influenced her path toward socially engaged storytelling.
She is described as someone who evolved from actress to cultural entrepreneur, moving across roles including playwright, producer, and casting director. This multidisciplinary identity has allowed her to support artistic initiatives that emphasize healing and dialogue through creativity.
Institution builder: L’Espace Kigali & IYUGI
In 2018, Dida reportedly co-founded L’Espace Kigali, a cultural space in the heart of Rwanda’s capital. Public descriptions of the venue highlight it as a hub for artists—offering programming ranging from exhibitions and performances to residencies and workshops. While details about L’Espace’s full scope remain limited, its founding has been associated with broader efforts to build community-oriented arts infrastructure in Kigali.
Dida is also credited as the founder of IYUGI, a production company based in Kigali. The word iyugi means “story” in Kinyarwanda, aligning with her reported mission to amplify African narratives with depth and integrity. However, the specific projects or outputs from IYUGI are not widely documented in public sources.
International recognition
One of Dida’s most cited international contributions is her role as casting director and technical advisor for Petit Pays (2020), the film adaptation of Gaël Faye’s novel. According to multiple sources, she played a significant part in shaping the casting process and ensuring the film’s cultural authenticity. This project has been among her most visible collaborations on the global stage.
She is also listed as a co-producer of Terra Mater, a short poetic film reportedly selected at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival in 2023. While independent confirmation of her full role in the film is sparse, the project reflects her reported interest in intimate, memory-driven storytelling.
Mentorship & artistic influence
Dida is frequently described as a mentor to younger artists. She is said to curate spaces that allow emerging voices to explore their creative identities. While these mentorship efforts are often highlighted in interviews, detailed records or programs she’s led remain limited in the public domain.
Her leadership has been praised for its thoughtful, patient approach—offering artists not just resources, but also time and emotional space to grow.
Legacy in progress
As a cultural advocate and institution-builder, Dida Nibagwire is helping shape Rwanda’s artistic future. While not all her projects are extensively documented, her involvement in key initiatives like Petit Pays and the founding of L’Espace Kigali underscore her influence. Through both verified and reported efforts, she continues to be part of a broader movement to center storytelling in Rwanda’s creative renaissance.
Her work reminds us that resilience is not just a memory of the past—it is an ongoing practice of imagination, care, and cultural collaboration.
