IRADUKUNDA Aboubakar, Known as Yvan Film: His Rise in the Global Movie Industry

Early Life and Passion for Acting

Born on January 1, 1998, in Nyanza, Southern Province, Rwanda, IRADUKUNDA Aboubakar, widely known as Yvan Film, grew up with a deep passion for storytelling and acting. From an early age, he was captivated by the magic of movies, admiring international film stars and aspiring to one day leave his mark on the global stage. His journey in the film industry began in Rwanda, where he took part in various popular productions and steadily built a name for himself.

Notable Roles and Contributions to Rwandan Cinema

Yvan Film has played significant roles in various Rwandan television and film productions. His acting credits include well-known series such as City Maid, The Bishop Family, Bamenya’s, Isi Dutuye, and Ibara ry’Urukundo. Through these projects, he gained recognition for his talent and dedication to the craft.

Taking a step further in his career, he also created his own movie, Indushyi, which showcased his ability not only as an actor but also as a storyteller and filmmaker. His work has contributed to the growth of Rwandan cinema, an industry that continues to develop despite facing several challenges.

Challenges in the Rwandan Film Industry

Like many actors and filmmakers in Rwanda, Yvan Film faced several obstacles throughout his career. The Rwandan movie industry has been expanding day by day, but it still struggles with key issues such as financial constraints, lack of sustainable infrastructure, limited access to prime filming locations, and challenges in marketing productions to wider audiences. Despite these hurdles, the industry continues to thrive with passionate artists like Yvan Film pushing the boundaries of what is possible.

Relocating to the United States for Greater Opportunities

On November 15, 2024, Yvan Film made a life-changing decision by moving from Rwanda to Columbia, Missouri, USA. His primary motivation for this move was to pursue better education in film and improve his acting skills. The United States, home to the world-renowned Hollywood industry, provided an ideal environment for him to expand his knowledge and refine his craft.

Among his most celebrated performances, Yvan Film played the role of Andrew in The Bishop Family, a series produced by Zacu Entertainment and aired on Canal+ and A+ networks. His performance in the series solidified his reputation as a versatile actor capable of taking on complex roles.

Dreaming Big: Hollywood and the Oscars

Growing up, Yvan Film was inspired by legendary actors like Van Vicker from Nigeria, Nshuti Gatwa from Rwanda, Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, and Will Smith. He dreamed of becoming an international actor, but he never imagined that he would one day live in the United States, where he would be close to Hollywood, the world’s biggest film industry.

Yvan Film understands that achieving an Oscar Award is no easy feat. However, as an actor, he believes in constantly improving, matching his performance to his scripts, and striving for excellence. Seeing himself on a Hollywood stage remains his biggest dream, and he is determined to keep chasing it. If he ever wins an Oscar, he knows it will be a moment of immense pride—not just for himself but also for Rwanda and Africa as a whole. He envisions that moment as one filled with overwhelming joy, a mix of tears and laughter, and an incredible achievement for his homeland.

Future Aspirations: Establishing a Film Academy

To further his growth and contribute to the film industry, Yvan Film is setting his sights on establishing a film academy in Atlanta, USA. This academy will focus on improving acting skills, nurturing young talent, and providing professional training that many aspiring actors in Rwanda and Africa often lack. His mission is to bridge the gap between African talent and global cinema, creating opportunities for future filmmakers and actors to succeed on an international level.

Personal Life and Reflections

Currently single and without children, Yvan Film is focused on his career and future aspirations. However, he looks forward to one day building a family when the time is right.

Reflecting on his career journey, he acknowledges the challenges he faced, including:

• Low salaries for actors in Rwanda
• Language barriers limiting international opportunities
• Limited marketing platforms for Rwandan film productions
• Poor production quality due to lack of high-tech equipment like advanced cameras and sound systems
• Lack of funding and resources to create high-budget films

Despite these obstacles, he remains optimistic about the future of Rwandan cinema and his personal journey toward success in the global film industry.

Yvan Film’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and ambition. From his early days in Rwanda to his move to the USA, he has continued to push himself toward greater heights. With dreams of Hollywood and an unwavering dedication to storytelling, he is well on his way to becoming an internationally recognized actor. His journey serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors in Rwanda and beyond, proving that with hard work and determination, dreams can indeed come true.