Few careers in Rwanda’s film industry have begun as unexpectedly as that of Dusabe Busine Israel. Once determined to become a school headmaster, he is now an actor and director contributing to the country’s growing cinema scene.

Born on January 18, 1980, in Nyamasheke District, Israel is the eldest of three children. Today, he is also a father of three—two girls and a boy.

Although audiences recognize him as both an actor and director, Israel says he feels most at home behind the camera.

“I’m an actor and a director, but I feel more like a director than an actor. People love seeing me act, but deep down, I’m a director—that’s what resonates with me most.”

Early dreams

Growing up, Israel’s ambitions had little to do with filmmaking. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a headmaster or even a hospital director, a title inspired by a nickname his father used for him.

During school holidays, he organized small parties and performed in plays with friends, charging 50 Rwandan francs for entry. At the time, he didn’t view it as art—just a fun way to pass the time.

He also briefly imagined a future in politics, dreaming of becoming a minister or senator. But life soon took him in a different direction.

A turning point

In 2013, after his contract with the Global Fund ended, Israel suddenly found himself unemployed and searching for a new path. Around that time, he met filmmaker Joël Karekezi, who introduced him to the idea of a scriptwriting workshop.

“Writers of what?” Israel recalled asking.

“Movie scripts,” Karekezi replied.

To apply, Israel submitted a short story and was selected as one of only ten participants in Rwanda’s first-ever screenwriting workshop.

“I didn’t know much about movies. I thought I might end up in music because I wrote songs for my church choir. But I took the opportunity anyway.”

The experience introduced him to filmmaking and sparked a passion he had never seriously considered before.

During the program, he wrote his first screenplay and later joined the Maisha Film Lab. Although his project was not selected for production, the experience opened doors to other opportunities.

He began contributing to various productions—acting in Crossing Line, recording sound for Kaliza, and taking on technical roles in Mutoni.

His first acting experience was nerve-wracking.

“I was so nervous I drank juice after juice and devoured pastries just to calm my nerves during endless retakes. I even wanted to quit. But when I saw the finished film, I felt proud. That’s when I truly stepped into Rwanda’s cinema scene.”

Building a career

From there, his career gradually gained momentum.

Israel went on to write and produce several projects, including Ingurane y’Ubusugi, Umwana w’Ikinyoma, Inkomoko y’Ikinyoma, and Ikiguzi cy’Amaraso, a production inspired by a biblical story.

His directorial debut came with Ingurane y’Ubusugi, produced under Nayote Films.

“When people liked it, I felt amazing—even though I knew there were many mistakes. I was just happy that a dream I never knew I had was coming true.”

Since then, he has continued expanding his work in the industry. He has directed or contributed to projects such as Inkomoko y’Ishyano and Ubutaka bw’Amaraso, and served as assistant director on the popular film Kaliza wa Kalisa.

He also directed The Bridge of Christmas, a feature film scheduled for release in December 2025.

Among his projects, Israel highlights The Bridge of Christmas as one of his favorites, citing its larger budget, longer production timeline, and relatively relaxed working environment.

He also points to The Sacred, a British feature filmed across three countries, as one of his most memorable international experiences.

Reflecting on working abroad, he described the experience as transformative.

“Traveling, overcoming language barriers, and adapting to different climates all shaped my perspective.”

Navigating challenges

Despite his achievements, Israel acknowledges that the journey has not been without obstacles.

Limited budgets and tight production schedules remain recurring challenges in the industry. He also points to the difficulty of working with actors who struggle to fully embody their characters.

Environmental conditions have sometimes added to the pressure. During a production in Dar es Salaam, for example, he faced intense weather and a significant language barrier, making the experience particularly demanding.

Gratitude and mentorship

Israel remains grateful to those who helped launch his career.

“Joël changed my life,” he said, crediting filmmaker Joël Karekezi for introducing him to the workshop that set him on his path.

He also expressed appreciation for his fellow workshop participants, Misago Nelly Wilson, and Canal+ for supporting Rwandan cinema. Israel added a special acknowledgment to the YouTubers who help promote and sustain the industry.

Advice and looking ahead

Israel’s professional journey began in 2013, with his directorial debut following just a year later in 2014.

He attributes much of his progress to discipline and leadership.

“I always finish what I start. I manage my team effectively and make sure we deliver.”

For aspiring filmmakers, his advice is straightforward:

“If you’re passionate about something, seek out the necessary knowledge and skills—it’s a formula for success.”

Looking ahead, Israel hopes to see his work reach global platforms such as Netflix and to witness greater recognition of cinema’s cultural and economic value from political leaders.

For a filmmaker whose journey began unexpectedly, the future of storytelling remains wide open.

Selected filmography

Over the years, Israel has built a diverse portfolio across television and film.

Feature Films

Ikinyoma- Director

The Sacred (British feature)-Writter and Director

My Insight (personal project)- Writter and Director

The bridge of Christmas -Director

Ikimanuka by imitana - Assistant director

Afrikanda - Production manager

Series

Indoto —Director

Inzozi (MassCom series)- Director

Ikiguzi cy’Amaraso-Writter and director

Agahinda ka Liza - Writter and Director

Igeno ryanjye- Assistant director

The Bishop-Assistant director

Ejo si Kera- Assistant director and line producer

Kaliza wa Kalisa- Assistant director

Father’s portrait - director