Beloved for his humor and iconic characters like Papa Sava and Seburikoko, Rwandan actor and filmmaker Gratien Niyitegeka is trading laughter for tension in his upcoming thriller What a Day, set to premiere on ZACU TV in January 2026.
The film marks a daring transformation for the comedian — one that challenges both his image and his craft. Long celebrated for his comedic charm and relatable roles, Gratien is stepping into unfamiliar territory, portraying a complex, troubled man caught between guilt, paranoia, and fate.
A new direction for a familiar face
In What a Day, a struggling motari (motorcycle taxi rider) makes a fateful decision when he steals a client’s bag — only to uncover a shocking secret inside. Terrified, he tries to dispose of it, but suspicion begins to close in. When a child dies after eating a banana he gave them, he’s accused of murder. Meanwhile, his wife kills their landlord in self-defense. Trapped in guilt and fear, the couple spirals toward a fate they cannot escape.
Produced by Zacu Entertainment and written and directed by Iriniga Deny, the feature film stars Gratien Niyitegeka, Uwabeza Leocadie, Bahati Xavier and Kayirangwa Alice.
Zacu Entertainment continues to play a key role in promoting homegrown Rwandan productions that aim to reach both national and international audiences.
Not the comic person this time
In an interview with Chita Magic, Gratien revealed that What a Day will show a completely different side of him.
“In this movie, I’m not the comic person. I play a negative character,” he explained. “I wanted to take on a different kind of role. I’ve always done comedies, but I also wanted to be in a film that can make people cry instead of just laugh.”
He added that the film features many supporting actors because of its dynamic, movement-filled story.
30 years in arts and cinema industry —still evolving
As Gratien celebrates 30 years in Rwanda’s arts and cinema industry, he reflected on his long journey and his pride in shaping the country’s entertainment landscape.
“I was the first independent filmmaker to reach 100,000 YouTube subscribers,” he said. “I would love to one day receive the YouTube Gold Award as the first one again. People didn’t come to my channel by accident — they came because of my work, and that’s something to be proud of.”
He also expressed joy that many of the people he worked with have gone on to build their own careers while still collaborating with him.
You can watch a full interview here:
A familiar story with a new look: The return of Seburikoko
In the same interview, Gratien shared updates on the upcoming new season of Seburikoko, set for release in December 2025.
“It’s somehow the same but also different,” he said. “It still takes place in rural areas and tells similar stories, but this time, Seburikoko has become successful. The new series has better quality, and 80% of the original cast is returning. I believe it’s better than before.”
Fans can expect the same humor and warmth that made Seburikoko a household name — but with a fresh visual style and a storyline that reflects change and growth.
What a day’s behind the scene pictures.
Reaching beyond borders
As he revisits familiar roles and takes on new ones, Gratien’s vision for his career continues to expand beyond Rwanda’s borders.
Speaking about his motivation to explore new projects like What a Day, he shared that earning an international award would make him feel like he has truly achieved something significant after three decades in cinema.
“That’s why I decided to spread my wings and take part in film festivals,” he explained.
He added that What a Day will be distributed on Zacu TV and later submitted to international festivals, marking a bold step toward reaching global audiences.
With What a Day, Gratien Niyitegeka isn’t just acting — he’s redefining what Rwandan storytelling can look like when comedy and tragedy collide. The film reminds audiences that even the brightest comedians can reveal unexpected depth — and that behind every laugh, there’s a story waiting to be told.
