You’re working hard even though it sometimes feels like no one notices—but actually, they do. Whether people recognize your effort or not, what truly matters is that you’re giving your best. That’s the real secret behind who Mazimpaka Pacifique is today.

He worked quietly and patiently. At first, no one saw it. But with time, his persistence paid off, and eventually, the world noticed.

Mazimpaka Pacifique is a Rwandan film director and costume designer. He was born on July 10, 1997, in Kigali, Rwanda, at King Faisal Hospital, where his mother once worked.

“We lived near King Faisal Hospital. I still remember as a child, when we’d wash clothes, we would hang them on the iron fence of the hospital,” Pacifique recalls with a smile.

In an interview, Director Pacifique opened up about his journey to becoming both a director and a costume designer.

“I began my journey in cinema in 2018, though it wasn’t professional yet. We were just a group of youth making short films in the Gikondo neighborhood—specifically in an area called Murutoki. We did it for creativity and to stay away from drugs. I continued this way until late 2019.”

His professional breakthrough came in 2020 with a series called INDOTO, produced by ZACU Entertainment.

“At the time, I wasn’t known at all. I started as a runner in Season 1. After the COVID-19 lockdowns, I transitioned into costume design—a role I held until February 12, 2024, when I was promoted to director of the popular series City Maid,” he explained with a deep, confident tone.

Pacifique credited his older brother, Didier, as the person who introduced him to the world of cinema.

“Before I joined the film industry, I used to play football. But in Senior 4, I suffered a serious injury that took me out of the game for six months. During that time, my brother—who was part of a modeling club in Gikondo—noticed how much I loved movies.

He encouraged me to join a group of young actors who were learning about film and acting. He told me, ‘My brother, since you love movies, why not join that group instead of staying bored all the time?’

That’s how I slowly started participating—bit by bit—until I completely fell in love with it. Later, we began working on real film projects together.”

“My professional journey started in 2020, and it hasn’t been easy. But I learned fast, thanks to the people I worked with. I began as a runner, then a costume designer, and eventually became a director.”

Pacifique has worked as a costume designer on a variety of films and television shows, including:

City Maid

INDOTO

Ejo Sikera

Malaika

Igeno ryanjye

The Bishop Family

Circled Love

The Bridge of Christmas

He had his first experience directing in a short film called Ishusho ya Papa (“Father’s Portrait”), where he worked as an assistant director.

“That experience paved the way for my promotion on February 12, 2024, when I officially became the director of City Maid. Today, I’m also the current director of the INDOTO series.”

About challenges in the industry here’s what he shared: “One of the biggest challenges in this industry is finding a place where you can showcase your skills. Before joining ZACU, I knocked on many doors that never opened,” Pacifique admitted.

His turning point came when he met Director Dr. Israel Dusabe Busine.

“In 2020, just before COVID-19, I met Director Busine, who believed in me. He took my hand and lifted me up. Without him, I would still be stuck in the struggle. He helped me become the person I am today.”

Looking Ahead, Pacifique said “In five years, I want to be a film director who has made a significant contribution to the Rwandan film industry—and even the East African region. I want to win awards, not just work without recognition. I aim to expand the creativity and scope of my productions.”

Pacifique sees immense potential in the Rwandan film industry.

“Cinema in Rwanda is growing fast. Right now, people in the film industry are starting to earn from it—not just actors, but also crew members and equipment providers. What’s left is for our audience to keep building trust in us—and that’s already happening. They really love what we’re producing.

I keep going because cinema is not just a job for me—it’s my passion and my livelihood. I have no other job except making films.”

Director Mazimpaka Pacifique ended the interview by expressing heartfelt gratitude:

“I want to thank the CEO of ZACU Entertainment, Wilson Misago, and the Production Manager, Valens Nsengumuremyi, for trusting me and letting me work with ZACU.

It was once a dream—but now it’s my reality.”

He reserved special thanks for two key mentors:

“I especially want to thank Director Roger and Director Dr. Israel Dusabe Busine, who consistently believed in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.

They held my hand and walked with me step by step through every project. Every experience I had with them was a valuable lesson. They shaped the filmmaker I’ve become.”

Having worked on 12 films so far, Pacifique attributes his success to four key principles:

1. Humility

2. Willingness to learn from those with more experience

3. Creating your own path

4. Consistency and perseverance

Advice to Aspiring Filmmakers

“Never give up. Know what you want and work for it.
Don’t just say you’re talented and sit back—work until the people around you recognize that it’s your time, and that you too deserve a chance.”

Mazimpaka Pacifique is proof that when passion meets patience, even the quietest voices can rise to direct the spotlight.