They say not everyone can become a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere. This saying has been proved over and over again by Rwandan actors who’ve been making significant strides in the international entertainment industry, particularly Hollywood.
One of the most notable success stories is Ncuti Gatwa. Born in Rwanda and raised in Scotland, Gatwa, 31, made his name playing the effervescent Eric in Netflix’s “Sex Education.” But the lead role as the fifteenth Doctor in “Doctor Who,” a British institution about a time-travelling alien and his human companion that has been a BBC stalwart for 60 years, has taken him to another level of fame.
He recently also appeared in “Master’s of the Air”, an American war drama miniseries alongside renowned actors Jimmy Butler and Callum Turner. The series, about 250-300 million budget, was reported to have scored Apple TV+’s biggest opening weekend ever for a series.
Following closely in these groundbreaking footsteps is Eliane Umuhire, who has secured a role in the highly anticipated film “A Quiet Place: Day One.” This prequel to the successful “A Quiet Place” franchise features an all-star cast, including the Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o. The film, which premiered on June 28 worldwide, including in Rwanda at Canal Olympia, explores the origins of the post-apocalyptic world where making the slightest sound can mean death at the hands of blind but hyper-sensitive alien predators.
“A Quiet Place: Day One” explores the origins of the post-apocalyptic world introduced in the previous films. With a running time of 99 minutes, movie enthusiasts can expect a tense, suspenseful thriller that expands on the universe created by John Krasinski in the original films. The movie’s budget is reported to be around $67 million.
This rise of talent from Rwandan artistes is not only putting Rwanda on the global cultural map but also inspiring a new generation of talented performers. Other Rwandan artists are also making inroads in Hollywood. Belle Oceanne Iradukunda appeared in the American comedy-drama series “Sistas,” while Sonia Rolland, a French-Rwandan actress and former Miss France, has been building an impressive career in both French and international productions.
For those eager to watch these productions, “A Quiet Place: Day One” is playing at Canal Olympia. As for “Doctor Who,” the new season featuring Ncuti Gatwa is available to stream on Disney Plus.
