Isabelle KABANO

About Isabelle Kabano

Isabelle Kabano is an internationally awarded film and theatre actress, recognized for her role in the film Ben'imana, which won the Caméra d'Or at Cannes 2026. Born in Bujumbura and raised in North Kivu, she began her performing arts training in 2001 with the "URWINTORE" theatre workshops, created by director Dorcy Rugamba in collaboration with the Royal Conservatory of Liège.

Cultural Development & Advocacy

Alongside her artistic career, she is fully invested in the cultural development of her country through a close, historical collaboration with the Rwanda Arts Initiative (RAI). Within this platform, she actively participates in structuring Rwanda's creative industries, supporting local artists, and promoting Rwandan culture internationally.

Theatre Career

• Made her theatrical debut with the historical play Rwanda 94 (notably La Cantate de Bisesero)
• Performed in engaged artistic works, including Bloody Niggers! (2022)
• Assistant director for the opera UMURINZI (2019)
• Solo director for the emblematic play The Vagina Monologues (2024)

Film Career

• Starred in international productions such as Sometimes in April (Raoul Peck), Shake Hands with the Devil, and Opération Turquoise
• Portrayed the lead role of Yvonne in Petit Pays (directed by Éric Barbier, adapted from Gaël Faye's novel), winning Best Actress at the Angoulême Festival (2020), the Francophone Cinema Honorary Trophy, and Best Actress at the BCN Film Festival in Barcelona (2021)
• Worked with renowned filmmakers, including Abderrahmane Sissako in Black Tea (2023) and Jonas d'Adesky in Kwibuka (2023)
• Starred in Ben'imana, which won the Caméra d'Or in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival (2026)
• Currently preparing the role of Evaliana in the major film project The Battle of Bisesero, directed by South African filmmaker Mandla Dubé

Festival Jury Service

Isabelle Kabano is regularly invited to serve as a jury member at international festivals, including Angoulême and the Brussels Film Festival in Dakar.

Languages

• Kinyarwanda (native)
• French (very good)
• English (good)
• Swahili (good)