Uburanga
“A BEAUTIFUL VIEW”
A Rwandan Film
Marvelous Realism
A genre of fiction grounded in the real world that blurs the line between reality and fantasy, where fantastical elements are considered “normal.”
Introduction
Set in modern-day Rwanda, a young man on the verge of losing his life confronts his self-perception and how it influences his reality and relationships.
Container
This film is set in Rwanda, the heart of Africa. It depicts the life of fictional Rwandans over the course of twenty-four hours. Dialogue is spoken in Kinyarwanda
Synopsis
The story begins with Ngabo’s funeral, hinting at his impending death. Ngabo, Kwizera, and Nshuti are siblings managing their parents' homestead after their disappearance, saving to buy a cow to improve their lives.
Ngabo, who sells potatoes at the market, is asked by a mysterious visitor to deliver a message to Musanze.
As threats and conflicts escalate, Ngabo confronts personal struggles and faces a transformative decision that will shape their future.
Sample
“The rain is trickling to a stop. The world is a fog.
The brothers bike through a forest of trees, soaking wet. Ngabo is worn out. He continues to peddle, slower now, with a bit more ease as they glide down the smooth path. Nshuti’s arms are still wrapped around his brother, his head leaning against his back, his eyes closed.
Three potatoes float down a stream in the light raindrops.”
Characters
Ngabo
”SOLDIER”
The protagonist and the ego, between 15 and 17. Serious, sullen, depressed, and grappling with an inner tug of war between his sense of responsibility and desire to play. The world Is a hostile place.
Kwizera
”HOPE”
The perennial manager, the captain of the ship, the one who keeps the whole operation running. Driven, motivated, fierce, and prohibiting herself from fully experiencing the joy of life. The world feels like a mountain to climb.
Nshuti
”FRIEND”
The inner child. The innocent, carefree, fun loving, joyful, playful, whimsical, ingenious, lucky, spit-fire, whose focus creates solutions for the same chaos he creates. The world is his benevolent playground.
Themes
Perception, love and fear, ego, ancestry.
Tone x Style
We will explore the elasticity of time and the perception of reality through dynamic camera angles, lighting, color, and selective animation. The characters’ environments will mirror their emotional states and perspectives.
Contemporary clothing will be used, with special grand wardrobes blending traditional Rwandan dress and modern design for dreamlike sequences. Locations will be presented as painted compositions.
Distribution
First - free, open-air movie nights in Rwandan villages.
Then, movie theaters, schools, stadiums, regional event centers, and libraries throughout Rwanda.
An African premiere tour, international independent movie house tour, and submissions to national and international film festivals and streaming services.
“It’s hubris to think
that the way we see things
is everything there is.”
Lisa Randall, Theoretical physicist, on looking beyond what we are familiar with.
Urote Neza
“SWEET DREAMS”
All visuals presented were sourced through free photography licensing sites or public Instagram accounts. All credits are archived and can be shared on request.
Trial Shoot, February 10th, 2024, on iPhone.
Featuring Mugisha as Ngabo and Dieudonné as Nshuti.