Spike Productions’ film has allowed Rwandans affected by landmines to tell their story to the world. (Picture by Tom Killick. 0878368)

Spike Productions’ Rwanda – Beneath The Surface, is being premiered at the Cartagena Mine Free World Conference, which opened on Friday.

Ben Remfrey, director of Mines Awareness Trust, which has its work featured in the film, said it was a huge achievement for Rwanda to be landmine-free.

MAT trained and equipped the Rwandan personnel and oversaw the clearance to ensure it was carried out effectively and safely.

‘The success MAT and the Rwandan De-mining Office have had in making Rwanda landmine-impact free, is significant.

‘The fact Rwanda has made its landmine free declaration is a big news story worldwide and will attract much attention at the Mine Free World Conference in Cartagena, Colombia.’

Article five of the Ottawa convention, which committed countries to clear stockpiles of landmines and those planted in the ground by December 2010, was signed up to by 156 countries.

Mr Remfrey said other than a few who had mines in the first place, Rwanda was the first to achieve this a year before the deadline and not many were expected to achieve it by next year.

• You may view the film below…