Arnaud Rwasangabo shines at the Joburg Film Festival, South Africa, with his new short film ECHOES OF THE HEART. An intimate drama soon to be released in United States.

Arnaud Rwasangabo, is one of the most talented and promising young African filmmakers on the current film scene.

Director’s statement of Echoes of the Heart

The idea for this film came to me when a family member asked me to drive an elderly lady home. She wasn’t feeling well, and when we arrived at her flat, we began talking. I could sense her loneliness as she shared stories about her life with her late husband. When I asked why she hadn’t moved into an elder care facility, she explained that she wasn’t ready to leave the flat, as it still felt like her husband was there. Her story resonated with me, as I was also navigating my own experiences with online relationships at the time. Despite our different circumstances, I realized we were both searching for connection. By the time I said goodbye, I was surprised by how refreshing the encounter had been—something I hadn’t expected.

Through this film, I aim to explore the universal need for human connection. We all yearn for it, and if we remain open, we can find it in the most unexpected moments and places.

Arnaud Rwasangabo is a Rwandan filmmaker and DOP based in South Africa, Durban. Growing up in his hometown kigali, making films was not something to aspire to. however, he would often find himself capturing moments with a disposable camera of his friend. When he moved to South Africa and was exposed to the possibilities of creating films using a simple tool like a cellphone opened up an entirely new world.

Arnaud’s work is driven by a deep fascination with characters who grapple with self-doubt and an unquenchable desire for acceptance. He believes that stories are a reflection of human experiences and strives to create captivating narratives that provoke thought and spark conversations.

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