The first edition of the Kigali Photo Fest set the bar and showcased local and regional talent.

Interactive workshops and discussions were part of the weeklong event, which brought together over 15 African photographers from countries like Rwanda, Mali, Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, DR Congo and Ethiopia.

The festival, started by Rwanda’s Jacques Nkinzingabo and Uganda’s Oscar Kibuuka Mukisa, ended on June 16 and exhibitions were held at the Kigali Centre for Photography and the Kandt Museum.

On show was Ala Kheir’s Collection dubbed “Green April,” which features photographs of the Sudan demonstrations, with scenes of conflict, chaos and protesters being tear gassed.

Tanzania’s Nicholas Calvin explores the theme of home in his collection titled Light and Memory.

DR Congo’s Gorge Senga explores conflict surrounding inheritance in his collection titled This house is Not for Sale. He grew up in Kituba where he saw the family turmoil that surrounds inheritance.

Etinosa Yvonne who is from both Nigeria and Benin showcases her Its All in My Head collection, which explores war and terror.

Female Malian photographer Fatoumata Diabate pays tribute to Malick Sidibè and Seydou Keita in her collection dubbed Rue Photo Studio.

Her subjects are dressed in vintage, classic Nigeria’s Tom Saater’s works are dubbed Area Boys, which feature portraits of male subjects.

De Lovie, a Ugandan artiste, explores self-love. Oscar Kibuuka Mukisa captures Uganda’s fast growing entertainment scene.

On show were also Rwandan photographers Alice Kayibanda, Jacque Nkinzingabo, Gadi Habumugisha, Muusa Uwitonze and Hurbert Bisengimana.