Prominent Rwandan film actors, who are also competing in the Mashariki African Film Festival, joined residents of Huye District in a community tree-planting event, planting 2,280 trees in the Huye Industrial Park.
The event took place on November 1, 2025, in Sovu Cell, Huye Sector. The trees were planted along the roads surrounding the industrial area.
Actors who participated included Seburikoko (also known as Papa Sava), Intare y’Ingore, Bamenya, Clapton Kibonke, Maman Sava, Madederi, Digidigi, Ndimbati, Sheilla, Mugende, and others.
Kamana André, Deputy Mayor of Huye in charge of Economic Development, said the initiative complements the national budget and stressed the importance of environmental conservation.
He said, “While we aim for industrial growth, we know that factories release pollutants into the air. These trees will help absorb them, contributing to sustainable development.”
Senga Trésor, Director of the Mashariki African Film Festival, praised Huye District for producing talented actors and said this inspired them to carry out the project there. He encouraged local youth with aspirations in acting to avoid drugs and pursue a healthy lifestyle while honing their skills for a professional career in film.
Residents, mostly youth, enthusiastically participated alongside the actors. Muhimpundu Jacky from Gakombe Village, Sovu Cell, said, “Meeting my favorite actors, especially Seburikoko, was exciting. Many others joined, which allowed us to plant many trees, making the event very productive.”
The actors later visited the University of Rwanda, Huye Campus, where they encouraged students to embrace their talents without neglecting their studies. One participant, Mudenge, a pediatrician at Butare University Hospital, advised students to balance their education and talents for overall personal growth.
In addition to tree planting, the actors donated blood and provided aid packages to 200 families in Ngoma and Bugesera Districts.
This initiative, now in its 11th year since 2014, brings together over 60 actors and film technicians. Overall, 80 films are competing in the festival, with winners in the male and female categories awarded cars.
