Movies About The Rwandan Genocide

From Terry George, starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo, Joaquin Phoenix, Xolani Mali
Rated PG-13

Hotel Rwanda is a 2004 historical drama film directed by Terry George, and starring Don Cheadle, Sophie Okonedo and Nick Nolte. Set during the Rwandan genocide of 1994, the film tells the story of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina, who attempts to protect the lives of over 1,200 Hutu and Tutsi refugees in the face of overwhelming odds. The film is based on actual events and is a powerful and emotionally compelling story of survival, courage and the struggle for peace. The film is a great example of how one individual can make a difference in the world, despite tremendous obstacles.

From Directors: Jennifer Capraru, Roger Spottiswoode, starring Roy Dupuis, Owen Sejake, James Gallanders, Michel Ange Nzojibwami
Rated R

Shake Hands with the Devil is a 2007 Canadian drama film directed by Jennifer Capraru and Roger Spottiswoode, based on the autobiography of the same name by Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire. The film stars Roy Dupuis as Dallaire and focuses on his role as the commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) during the Rwandan Genocide of 1994. The film follows Dallaire as he arrives in Rwanda to take command of UNAMIR, and is immediately confronted with the evidence of the genocide and decides to remain, despite facing immense pressure from the UN to withdraw. The film then follows Dallaire's efforts to provide humanitarian aid in the midst of the chaos, and his valiant attempts to protect the Tutsi people from the Hutu militia. Ultimately, however, Dallaire is unable to prevent the genocide, and is forced to witness the horrific violence as he and his troops are unable to intervene. The film ends with Dallaire traveling to the Netherlands to confront the UN in an emotional plea for more action to prevent further atrocities.

From Michael Caton-Jones, starring John Hurt, Hugh Dancy, Dominique Horwitz, Louis Mahoney
Rated R

Set in 1994, at the height of the Rwandan genocide, Shooting Dogs is a powerful and heartbreaking drama about the Rwandan people's struggle for survival. The film follows two westerners, a priest and a teacher, who are forced to confront the horror of the genocide when they are trapped in a school with thousands of desperate Tutsi refugees. As the school is besieged by Hutu militia, the priest and the teacher must choose between sacrificing the lives of the refugees or using violence to defend them. As the violence escalates and the death toll mounts, the priest and the teacher are faced with the impossible task of trying to save as many lives as they can in the midst of unimaginable horrors.

From Alrick Brown, starring Cleophas Kabasita, Hadidja Zaninka, Marc Gwamaka, Cassandra Freeman
Rated Not Rated

From Lee Isaac Chung, starring Jeff Rutagengwa, Eric Ndorunkundiye, Jean Marie Vianney Nkurikiyinka, Jean Pierre Harerimana
Rated Not Rated