Kigali, Rwanda — Renowned filmmaker David Nzinga , founder of the production company DNZ Pictures, visited Rwanda as part of the 2026  Nordic Baltic Business Forum for a series of activities aimed at strengthening collaboration in the creative industries and engaging with Rwanda’s growing community of young filmmakers, students, and innovators.

The visit combined workshops, academic exchanges, cultural exploration, and meetings with innovation hubs, offering a unique opportunity to connect Rwanda’s emerging creative talent with international filmmaking perspectives, and contributing to initiatives aimed at establishing a film academy and strengthening local film infrastructure.

Filmmaking Workshop in Kigali

The program began in Kigali with a filmmaking workshop hosted at Park Inn by Radisson Kigali, where Nzinga engaged participants in discussions on storytelling, filmmaking techniques, and the creative process behind film production.

The workshop brought together students, creatives, and professionals interested in film and media, providing practical insights into visual storytelling, directing, and developing narratives that resonate both locally and globally. Nzinga emphasized the power of film as a medium for cultural expression and for sharing African stories with global audiences.

Visit to Musanze: Conservation, Culture, and Academia

The visit continued in Rwanda’s Northern Province, where Nzinga explored several important institutions and cultural sites in Musanze.

At the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Campus, he learned about Rwanda’s internationally recognized conservation efforts and the legacy of primatologist Dian Fossey in protecting endangered mountain gorillas.

Nzinga also visited INES Ruhengeri – Institute of Applied Sciences, where he interacted with members of the academic community and explored opportunities for collaboration with students interested in creative media and storytelling.

Visit to Rubavu and Lake Kivu

The program continued in Rubavu, along the shores of Lake Kivu, where Nzinga explored the region’s natural beauty and economic initiatives.

The visit included a stop at Nirvana Heights Resort & Spa, offering panoramic views of Lake Kivu, as well as an informative visit to Rwanda’s Lake Kivu methane gas extraction project, which converts naturally occurring methane from the lake into energy.

Nzinga also experienced local life on the lake, meeting fishermen and observing traditional fishing activities on Lake Kivu, providing an opportunity to engage with communities whose livelihoods are closely connected to the lake.

Dialogue with Students

Back in Kigali, Nzinga participated in a session hosted at IPRC Kigali – Integrated Polytechnic Regional College, held at the ICT Innovation Center.

The event brought together students and participants interested in film and digital storytelling, offering a platform for dialogue on filmmaking, creativity, and the evolving role of the creative industries in Africa’s digital and cultural economy.

Exploration of Kigali’s Innovation Ecosystem

He also visited Norrsken East Africa, one of Kigali’s leading entrepreneurship and innovation hubs, where he learned about initiatives supporting startups and innovators across the continent.

The visit also included exploring Kigali’s vibrant urban culture, with visits to Nyamirambo, including the Mumarangi area, and a walk through the Kigali Car Free Zone, the city’s pedestrian-friendly downtown space known for its lively atmosphere and local businesses.

Strengthening Creative and Cultural Exchange

Overall, David Nzinga’s visit to Rwanda highlighted the growing importance of the creative industries as a driver of youth engagement, cultural expression, and economic opportunity. Through workshops, screenings, and exchanges with students and innovators, the program created meaningful opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The visit underscored Rwanda’s continued efforts to nurture creative talent, expand cultural industries, and build connections between local creators and international professionals in film, media, and digital storytelling.