Justine Browning
Films based on true stories often go through a Hollywoodization filter before their released. Facts become disabled in lieu of more universally appealing details while major events are manipulated in order to create a viable narrative. The film “Kinyarwanda” fights against such. In the wake of the 18th anniversary of the Rwandan genocide, the breathtaking film (released last year) is being used an informative tool. For those that know little about the tragedies that befell the country in 1994, the film serves as a poignant illustration of what those living in the region endured. Those that believe they are well educated on the matter will find that the film offers unmapped insight into the conflict. This is due to the film’s authentic portrayal of six different journeys.
Directed by Alrick Brown, the film utilized a Rwandan crew (many of whom experienced the horrors of the massacre first hand). The was the case for Ishmael Ntihabose, a film lover who worked as an assistant for many years until the opportunity to produce came his way. He told Moviehole: “I wanted to stand up and bring my first feature to life while exploring untold stories”.Nithabose’s goal was to make a film that was largely about faith and forgiveness rather than political unrest. Throughout production, he aimed to showcase “changes through human choices” while attempting to “speak for the voiceless through images and bring changes for a better world”.
Last year, the film was honored with the World Cinema Audience Award at Sundance. Many believe it has the power to alter the Wests perspective on the harrowing war. For Nithabose he hopes it will bring about “forgiveness”.
For more information on “Kinyarwanda”, visit www.kinyarwandamovie.com.
Official Trailer:
