A student-produced film from Mount Kigali University has emerged as a standout nominee at the International Student Film Festival (ISFF) 2025. Created by students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication, the film reflects a new wave of Rwandan cinematic creativity.
The production team, known as the Synenatic Syndicate, crafted a deeply emotional story exploring disability, rejection, forgiveness, and the transformative power of art. On October 27, 2025, the festival officially announced the list of selected films, confirming Forgotten Frame – Rwanda among the nominees.
The ISFF jury recognized the film for its originality and technical strength. Forgotten Frame received nominations in multiple prestigious categories, including Best Screenplay, Best Make-up, Best Costume, and SIGNIS Africa Award for Best Humanitarian Film, which celebrates productions promoting compassion, human dignity, and social awareness.
Additionally, the film earned nods for Best Director, highlighting the leadership and vision behind the project, as well as Best Short Film and the Capt. Dr. Hosa Okunbo Award for Best Overall Film, signaling it as a strong contender for the festival’s top honor.
Speaking about the recognition, Dusabimana O’keefe Apollos, the director of the movie, expressed pride in the team’s accomplishment. “This is not just a nomination; it is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and collaboration of every student involved. We wanted to tell a story that is authentic, moving, and socially relevant. Seeing it recognized internationally is incredibly rewarding,” he said.
O’Keefe added, “Our goal was to spark conversations about human dignity and the power of art to heal and transform. These nominations show that student filmmakers in Rwanda can compete on a global stage and make an impact.”
The recognition is a proud moment for Mount Kigali University, reinforcing its growing reputation in creative arts education. The Synenatic Syndicate continues to inspire young Rwandan filmmakers to pursue bold and meaningful storytelling.
As ISFF 2025 approaches its awards ceremony, excitement builds around Forgotten Frame’s performance. Regardless of the final outcome, the film has already cemented its place as a milestone in Rwanda’s student film history, demonstrating the rising potential of local cinema on the international stage.
