Writing, Reading and Cinema: Cultural Life at the Media Library
Looking for cultural activities in Kigali for the whole family? The Institut Français du Rwanda Media Library offers free or affordable events throughout the year dedicated to writing, reading, and cinema. Open to everyone, its activities bring together students, families, artists, retirees, and curious minds from all backgrounds.
Discover three of the media library’s flagship activities.
The Writing Workshop: Nurturing Creativity
Every week (except during holiday periods), the media library hosts a writing workshop open to everyone, from beginners to experienced writers. Since May 2024, the workshop has welcomed an average of 15 participants from diverse backgrounds, including Rwandan and African students, retirees, artists, and European expatriates.
The workshop combines three complementary formats: discussions with guest speakers, writing feedback and editing sessions, and creative writing exercises exploring different literary styles.
This collective dynamic gave rise to an annual anthology, allowing participants to share their work with the media library’s members. Monthly open mic sessions extend the spirit of the workshop by offering a space for public readings and introducing the project to a wider audience, with around 20 participants at each edition.
The Media Library: A Reading Space for All Ages
The Institut Français du Rwanda Media Library offers a rich and diverse collection, developed through a carefully designed acquisition policy that reflects both the institution’s mission and the interests of its readers.
Its shelves include picture books, children’s literature, folktales, children’s comics, young adult fiction, manga, adult novels, graphic novels, as well as dedicated collections focusing on Africa and Rwanda.
Among readers’ favourites are the Trotro series, the Harry Potter saga, Asterix and Obelix, the manga Jujutsu Kaisen, and the novel The Housemaid. With an average of 250 visitors each week, the media library has become a lively cultural space for book lovers in Kigali.
Ciné-Wednesday: Outdoor Cinema for Children and Families
Since July 2025, the media library’s terrace has transformed every week into an open-air cinema for Ciné-Wednesday. The programme features films and documentaries for young audiences in a warm and family-friendly atmosphere.
With around ten participants at each screening, Ciné-Wednesday offers children the opportunity to discover French-language cinema while enjoying a fun cultural activity outside school.
Why Take Part in the Media Library’s Activities?
- Regular weekly and monthly events.
- Activities accessible to all ages and experience levels.
- A welcoming space to write, read, and connect with others.
- Rich collections, including dedicated Africa and Rwanda selections.
- A diverse and loyal community that reflects the spirit of Kigali.
Join the Institut Français du Rwanda Media Library
Whether you want to start writing, discover your next favourite book, or enjoy an afternoon of cinema with your family, the Institut Français du Rwanda Media Library welcomes you throughout the year. Come and discover a place where culture, learning, and community come together in the heart of Kigali.