Renowned African and European filmmakers have launched an ambitious feature film project, The Battle of Bisesero, aimed at documenting the heroism of the people of Bisesero and confronting genocide denial and historical distortion surrounding the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
The film brings together award-winning producers, directors and actors from Rwanda, Africa and Europe, marking one of the most internationally backed cinematic projects to revisit Rwanda’s genocide history through a fact-based and survivor-centred lens.
At the heart of the project is Emmy Award-winning producer Richard Hall, a British national who has spent more than two decades working in the United States. Hall, who is married to a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, said the film was conceived to safeguard historical truth at a time when denial and revisionist narratives continue to circulate globally.
Hall previously worked on The 600: A Soldiers’ Story, a film chronicling the courage of the 600 RPF-Inkotanyi soldiers deployed to Rwanda’s Parliament during the 1994 Genocide.
South African filmmaker Mandla Dube will direct The Battle of Bisesero. Dube is widely known for directing internationally streamed productions such as Heart of the Hunter and Jiva, both available on Netflix. He said the project reflects the power of film as a national storytelling tool and a means of preserving collective memory.
“This is not just a film,” Dube noted. “It is a historical responsibility to tell the story of resistance, courage and survival in Bisesero with authenticity and dignity.”
The cast includes British-Nigerian actor Wale Ojo, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Nollywood industry. Ojo has appeared in several Netflix titles, including Phone Swap and The CEO. In The Battle of Bisesero, he will portray a Rwandan character, Birara Aminadab.
Ojo praised Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts for supporting the project, saying the film has the potential to reshape international understanding of Rwanda’s history while elevating the country’s film industry on the global stage.
The production also features Rwandan actors Annette Uwizeye and Munyeshuri Innocent, alongside Ugandan actress Tracy Kababiito, underscoring the project’s strong regional collaboration.
Originally developed under the working title Bisesero: A Daughter’s Story, the film was later renamed The Battle of Bisesero to reflect its broader historical scope. Principal photography is scheduled for April and May 2026.
In preparation for filming, the creative team and prospective cast recently concluded a four-day workshop and casting programme held from January 9 to 12, 2025. The sessions ended with a public discussion outlining the film’s objectives and its role in preserving historical truth.
According to Hall, the film is deliberately rooted in verified historical accounts to counter misinformation and ensure future generations encounter an accurate portrayal of the Genocide against the Tutsi.
The project has been in development for more than three years. Wale Ojo revealed that he was invited to join the production in 2023 and said he is committed to ensuring the film presents Rwanda’s story truthfully and responsibly to international audiences.
Once released, The Battle of Bisesero is expected to contribute significantly to global conversations on genocide memory, justice and the role of cinema in confronting historical denial.
