REC · Service 02
Documentary and impact film production in Rwanda
Documentary films, human-interest stories, case studies, photo essays, programme profiles and interview-led narratives.
Based in Kigali, Rwanda, working across Africa.
In short
TrueStory Africa is a documentary and video production company in Kigali, Rwanda. Our filmmakers and videographers produce short documentaries, impact films, case study and testimonial videos, and programme and corporate videos for NGOs and nonprofits, UN agencies, donors and companies across Rwanda and East Africa, often in rural communities and with interviews in Kinyarwanda and English. Typical subjects: health, education, agriculture, water and sanitation. Every film is quoted to its scope; send us a brief to find out the cost.
Clients often ask us for
Fundraising and donor films, annual report and programme results videos, success stories and beneficiary testimonials filmed with informed consent, monitoring and evaluation documentation, most significant change stories, participatory and community video, short films for grant proposals, and before-and-after project films. Subjects include maternal and child health, malaria and disease awareness, early childhood development, girls’ education, WASH, agriculture, climate, gender equality, youth employment and refugee stories. Our documentary filmmakers subtitle films in Kinyarwanda, English or French on request.
In the field
From our recent work
01 · Who it is for
Built for the people who commission it
- UN agencies and development partners
- NGOs and foundations
- Government programmes
- Companies reporting on their impact
02 · What clients can expect
What every client gets
- Clear briefing
- Professional field conduct
- Respect for consent and context
- One consistent look
- Organised file delivery
- Every caption and fact checked
- Files ready to publish
- Subtitles and social formats on request
Google reviews
Rated 5.0 by our clients on Google
Verbatim reviews from our Google Business Profile.
Read all reviews on GoogleLet’s plan something similar
Share your dates, location and goals. We will reply within a few hours and send a clear written quote within two working days.
- 01Your brief
- 02A short call
- 03Written quote
No work starts until you approve the quote.
Or email hello@truestoryafrica.com · +250 780 355 911
Trusted by UNICEF, WHO, UNESCO, UNAIDS, ILO, JICA and Rwanda’s Ministry of Health
03 · The TrueStory process
From first conversation to final delivery
- 01
Discover
We study the brief: the audience, the message and where the content will be used.
- 02
Connect
We meet partners and communities and secure consent before we film.
- 03
Create
We photograph, film, interview and write on location.
- 04
Refine
We edit, grade colour, mix sound, write captions and check facts.
- 05
Deliver
Named, organised files delivered on the agreed date, ready for reports, websites and media.
04 · Selected work
See it in practice
Related services
05 · Questions
Questions people ask
How do you handle consent?
Written consent from every identifiable person, in Kinyarwanda and English. Children’s identities are protected.
Who owns the film?
You may use everything we deliver for your own communications, in any medium, with no time limit. TrueStory Africa retains the copyright.
Do you film outside Rwanda?
Yes, across Africa. Travel and daily allowances are listed separately in the quote.
How long does it take to make a short documentary?
It depends on the story, the locations and the number of interviews. We agree every step, from research to the final edit, in the written quote.
How much does a documentary cost?
It depends on the scope, the number of days and the locations. Send a short brief and you will receive a clear written quote within two working days. No work starts before you approve it.
Can you film in rural areas and in Kinyarwanda?
Yes. We often film in rural communities, with interviews in Kinyarwanda and English and subtitles for your audiences.
What will we receive at the end?
The final film in the formats you need. Short versions for social media, subtitles and photos from the shoot can be added to the same quote.
Can you make a case study or testimonial video?
Yes. Short case study and testimonial videos are among the formats NGOs and UN agencies ask for most, to show donors what changed.
Do you write the script?
Yes. We research the story, plan the interviews and agree the structure of the film with you before filming starts.
How do we start a film with you?
Send a brief through the website, WhatsApp or email. We reply within a few hours, agree the goals on a short call, then send the scope, timeline and price in writing.
Another question? Ask us on WhatsApp
Guides
Read before you start
- How to choose a documentary production company in Rwanda
- How to hire a video production company: questions to ask
- How to write a creative brief for a film or photo shoot
- How NGOs can tell stories without exploiting vulnerable communities
- Informed consent for photos and video: what organisations need to know
Work with us
Ways to work with us
- 01
Fixed-scope projects
A film, photo story, report or campaign with a defined brief, timeline and deliverables.
- 02
Monthly or quarterly retainers
A dedicated storytelling partner for ongoing content, visibility and social media.
- 03
Framework agreements
Call-off support for organisations with recurring documentation needs.
- 04
Event & campaign packages
Conferences, launches and campaigns covered from start to finish, with edited photos shared live, session by session.
- 05
Local production support
Research, locations, crews and logistics for international agencies filming in Rwanda.