At the dawn of a new chapter with a focus on delivering high-quality content in the local language, Zacu TV on Channel 3, commits to fulfilling its foundational pledge and living up to its ambitions.
During a press conference, on Friday, September 27, as part of the back-to-school season, Cédric Pierre-Louis, the Director of Programming for African fiction channels at CANAL, announced exciting plans for Zacu TV's upcoming lineup starting from next year.
These include a variety of fresh entertainment offerings such as dubbing Hollywood blockbusters in Kinyarwanda for the first time, bringing back popular local series "Seburikoko" that have been on hiatus, and introducing new dramas and comedies.
Pierre-Louis added that "there will be something for everyone," ensuring that Zacu TV continues to cater to a larger number of Rwandans.
Among the new offerings are the comedy series "Shuwa Dilu" and the romantic drama "Kaliza wa Kalisa", which promise plenty of laughter and heartwarming chaos. Additionally, Zacu TV will co-produce musicals, including the upcoming TV series "Red Flag" and the feature movie "Fame is the Enemy", offering unforgettable and catchy songs that viewers can sing along to.
Another highlight is the introduction of dubbing. For the first time, some of the most popular Hollywood blockbusters from the last two decades will be available entirely in Kinyarwanda, courtesy of a partnership with one of Hollywood's biggest studios, Universal Studios. This move aims to make international entertainment more accessible to Rwandan audiences by presenting it in their native language.
He noted: "The combination of original stories from our slate of upcoming local productions and an outstanding roster of premium Hollywood blockbusters will bring endless entertainment to our viewers in 2025."
A golden opportunity for young talent
In 2025, Zacu TV aims to push the boundaries further by nurturing young filmmakers and exploring new genres, creating a golden opportunity for youth involvement.
Wilson Misago, the Director of Production and Acquisition for Zacu TV, explained that the channel is committed to providing a platform for Rwandan youth to tell their own stories, showcase their creativity and sleep not on their talents.
Among the new productions are "Hurts Harder" and "Red Flag", both TV series that explore the love stories, challenges, and dreams of Rwandan youth.
"We have so far employed more than 300 people, with plans to increase that number to up to 1,000. We're here to nurture young talents. However, they should seize this opportunity responsibly and not act in one movie and suddenly believe they are a star. That perspective cut short many talents. They need to stay focused on their goals," he said.
Yves Mizero, the director and producer of Hurts Harder, describes the movie as a story about Kate, a 27-year-old who never had a successful relationship but still believes in true love.
She meets Tate, a 28-year-old Ugandan, through an online platform, and after two years of communication, suggests they meet in person. Unwilling to meet in person, Tate hires another man to pose as himself, leading to a complex situation when Kate uncovers the truth, leaving her emotionally disappointed once again.
"This is a golden opportunity for young people to showcase their creativity and make a contribution in the Rwandan entertainment industry," said Mizero urging aspiring filmmakers to seize the opportunity provided by Zacu TV to tell local authentic stories that feed Rwandan audiences.
Introducing musicals to Rwandan cinema
Musicals are another genre that has yet to be fully explored in Rwandan cinema, but Zacu TV is set to change that. The TV series "Red Flag" and the feature film "Fame is the Enemy", starring popular musician Juno Kizigenza, will lead this exciting chapter into musical storytelling. These projects will feature original music and choreography that bring a fresh dimension to local entertainment.
Zacu TV continues to support Rwandan talent through its subsidiary studio, Zacu Entertainment. The company has built strong relationships with some of the country's most celebrated actors, including Gratien Niyitegeka, Longin Irunga, and Antoinette Uwamahoro, as well as rising stars like Gatesi Divine and Eric Nsabimana.
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