Bliss Ganza — Bringing Savage Smile to Life
My name is Bliss Ganza, and I'm a 15-year-old aspiring filmmaker and screenwriter from Kigali, Rwanda. I'm currently developing my first feature screenplay, Savage Smile, a supernatural psychological horror story that I hope to one day bring to audiences around the world.
My biggest dream is not only to see Savage Smile on the big screen, but also to inspire other young creatives to believe that their ideas matter, no matter where they come from.
Although I haven't always had the support or resources that many filmmakers have, I've continued learning, writing, and improving every day because I believe perseverance is just as important as talent.
At this stage of my journey, I'm looking to connect with filmmakers, producers, mentors, and industry professionals who believe in developing original stories and helping emerging voices grow.
1. Most people have a story they want to tell. What made Savage Smile the one story you felt you simply had to write?
Savage Smile is the one story I felt I had to write because it naturally grew from my love of storytelling and filmmaking.Ever since I was young, I enjoyed telling stories to my siblings, and over time I began combining different ideas, characters, and "what if" scenarios. One day, those ideas slowly evolved into Savage Smile.
What made it special to me was that, while I was creating the story, I often felt like I was experiencing it as a listener myself. Every new chapter surprised me and made me even more excited to continue writing. That was the moment I realized this wasn't just another idea it was a story I genuinely wanted to bring to life.
My dream has always been to create a film that people would remember long after they leave the cinema. Savage Smile became the story that gave me that feeling, and that's why I committed myself to turning it into my first feature screenplay.
2. Was there a specific moment during the writing process when you realized Savage Smile had the potential to become a feature film?
There wasn't just one moment it happened little by little. Every new twist and revelation made Savage Smile feel bigger than I had imagined. Along the way, I even discovered a philosophy within the story that I call the Francisco Effect, which explores how human choices create lasting consequences.I also realized how naturally the scenes played out in my mind like a film. I wasn't just writing dialogue anymore I was seeing the camera, the atmosphere, and the transitions. That's when I knew and truly trusted that Savage Smile belonged on screen.
3. If a producer offered to finance your film tomorrow but asked you to change one major element of the story, what would be the one thing you would never compromise on?
I think it depends on the reason. If the change really makes the story better, I can listen and learn because I'm still growing as a filmmaker.But I wouldn't change a major part just to make it different or easier. Everything important in Savage Smile is there for a reason, and if something changes, it should make the story stronger, not lose what made it special.
4. Without giving away any spoilers, which scene from Savage Smile are you personally most proud of, and why?
There are many scenes I'm proud of, but one of my favorites is when Smile (David) transforms into his cursed form, with liquid flesh and flexible blades emerging from his body.I won't spoil the moment, but while writing it, I could already see it playing like a movie in my head. It was the scene that made me think, "This story is ready for the screen."
If it's directed the way I imagine it, I truly believe it could become one of the most memorable moments in the film.
5. Being a young filmmaker is often seen as a disadvantage. Have you found that to be true, or do you think your age gives you a unique perspective that older filmmakers sometimes lose?
Yes, there are disadvantages to being a young filmmaker. Sometimes people doubt you before they even see your work. But I've never seen my age as something that should stop me. Instead, it pushes me to start early, learn faster, and keep improving every day.I also think young filmmakers bring something special ambition. Sometimes we believe in ideas that seem impossible, and that belief gives us the courage to keep creating even when the odds are against us.
I hope my journey encourages other young creatives to trust their dreams too.
6. Every filmmaker reaches a point where they need help from others. At this stage of your journey, what kind of support or collaboration would make the biggest difference for you?
To be honest, the biggest support I need right now is a team that truly believes in Savage Smile and its potential.I believe great films are made by people who trust each other and share the same vision, so building those connections would make the biggest difference for me.
More than anything, I hope Savage Smile can prove that even the most impossible dream can become a reality if you keep believing in it and never stop working toward it.
7. If someone reading this interview could help move Savage Smile one step closer to becoming a reality, what would you want them to know about yourself and the project?
If someone reading this interview could help move Savage Smile one step closer to becoming a reality, I would be incredibly thankful.One thing I want people to know about me and this project is that I truly love turning stories into films. I also love collaborating with people, and I deeply appreciate and trust those who believe in me and help make this dream come true.
8. Imagine we're sitting down for another interview five years from now. What would you like the opening sentence of that interview to be?
"Ganza, five years ago you believed in a dream that many people thought was impossible. Today we're celebrating its success. What made you keep smiling through the journey?"
Savage Smile
LoglineDuring a school trip, two brothers and their friends unknowingly awaken an ancient curse after breaking the sacred rule of a mysterious cave: Pick. Pay. Leave. As guilt, supernatural consequences, and family fractures collide, every choice pushes them closer to a fate that was written long before they entered the cave.
Short Synopsis
Savage Smile follows a group of teenagers whose innocent curiosity awakens an ancient curse hidden deep inside a mysterious cave.
As terrifying consequences unfold, the story grows into something much larger than survival. At its heart, Savage Smile explores brotherhood, human choice, guilt, sacrifice, and the consequences of decisions that can never be undone.
Connect with Bliss Ganza
FilmPlatforms: https://filmplatforms.com/members/ganzabliss27.116/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ganzabliss/
Stage 32: https://stage32.com/Ganza.BLISS.27
Personal Website: https://sites.google.com/view/ganza-bliss/the-dream
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