The African woman is the foundation of a family. However, the society has not accorded her respect even with today growing awareness she plays.

Shady Commitment, A 103-minute film emerges as the latest project denouncing violence against women.

Written and directed by Pitchou Kabagambe Kamara, the fiction film, whose debut premiere was held on October 19, at Kigali’s Portofino Hotel, highlights violence in marriages.

Starring Jean Glodi Mushambo (George), Kirenga Safine (Lea), alongside other actors like Didier Kamanzi and Hamida Uwimana and Kirenga Safine, Shady Commitment is a story of elites in an urban setting.

Despite the exposure, the characters in the play still hold traditional stereotype of treating a woman as an underdog.

George and his wife Lea, are blessed with a daughter. His major problem is alcoholism, which results in violence against his wife every night coupled with failure to provide.

Lea is left to shoulder responsibilities of a husband to cater for their daughter’s needs, alongside the daily chores and her job as a teacher.

Even with bruises from the beatings, Lea reveals nothing to their innocent daughter. However, the society is not bothered by Lea’s mistreatment, but rather advises her to be submissive to her husband.

The turning point comes when George is to take part in a music audition so as to save his employer’s struggling company. In pursuit of this, as recommended by most, it emerges that it is only Lea who is an experienced music trainer George has to turn to.

Family roles

Acknowledging this, George turns to Lea, who surprisingly accepts, but with terms which include sharing family roles as parents.

Through this, George realises how distant he has been from being a father and a husband, which completely changes his behaviour in the family and society.

Though some scenes in the film depict violence, it also holds humour, toughest emotions and laughter.

Though holding less than two years in professional filmmaking sector, the 40-year-old, exercises the art of storytelling, right from his introduction with captivating scenes.

The film produced by Jones Kennedy Mazimpaka, comes after several years of research and online film courses that Kamara admits were worth the effort.

Though finally out, the film’s journey in making, just like most has faced challenges, which majorly included budget constraints among others. Kamara explains how even with a promising script, his team had consulted several organisations for funding in support of the project, a proposal which was turned down.

With approximately over Rwf20 million as the budget, which was pumped into the film, Kamara says it would have costed more, since he strives for perfection.

“We are in plans of further hold public screening tours across the country, and probably beyond boarders,” he said.

But with this, his team requires a much more stable funding for smooth progress.

The management is further in plans of eying television services, which could acquire the film for screenings.