In August and September 2025, Open Restitution hosted Restitution 101 screenings in Lesotho and Rwanda. These public events in Maseru and Kigali coordinated by our case study researchers Lineo Segoete and Elisha Rukundo, aimed to broaden the continental conversation on restitution, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives. We extend our appreciation to all participants who contributed to these vital discussions.
Restitution 101 is a short-film series created by Open Restitution Africa that delves into the complexities, processes and conversations surrounding the restitution of African material culture and human ancestors. The series which is freely available in French and English aims to make these themes accessible to wider audiences, providing critical insights into the historical, ethical and social aspects of restitution.
Maseru, Lesotho: August 1st 2025
In Maseru, we screened Restitution 101 at Alliance Française as part of a collaborative event with Lineo Segoete and Art First. The evening brought together film, art and dialogue to reflect on the realities of cultural dispossession in Lesotho and beyond. By grounding restitution in local context, memory and resistance, the screening created a space where artistic expression and lived experience spoke directly to the call for justice. We thank everyone who joined us in holding this important conversation.
“The screening was charged and illuminating. People were in awe of the degree of the injustice of having our heritage stored away from us. There was a palpable discomfort with how long things are taking and a sense of questioning what more each individual could do in their respective corners because what was clear is that it’s on all of us to be active in realising the changes we seek.” – Lineo Segoete
Kigali, Rwanda: September 5th 2025
A few weeks later, alongside Elisha Rukondo, Digital Transformation Center Rwanda and Hanga Hubs we co-hosted A Living Archive Town Hall in Kigali under the theme: “Restitution to Repatriation: Who owns African heritage in the digital world?”
2025 has been declared by the African Union as the Year of Reparation and Justice which is a continental call to reclaim stolen heritage and advance restitution. In this spirit, the Rwanda program included the Screening: Restitution 101 — A History of Theft and an interactive evening of panels and dialogue with policymakers and cultural innovators based in Rwanda.
“Following the screening of a History of Theft and finding out that 90% of African cultural heritage is held outside of Africa, there are feelings of anger and people are rightfully moved, and began to think and strategise on how best to work towards restitution and bringing these items on our cultural heritage home”
Elisha Rukundo
