Raindrops Over Rwanda

Raindrops over Rwanda is a heart-wrenching and soul-stirring documentary that aims to throw light on the genocide that took place in Rwanda over two decades ago. The movie, released in 2010, is directed by Charles Annenberg Weingarten, who brought together poignant stories of survivors, volunteers, and activists who helped the country and its people recover from the tragedy.

The documentary traces the Rwandan genocide of 1994 that saw the death of over a million people, primarily from the Tutsi ethnic community. It presents an amalgamation of the horrors of the past with the hopes for the future, creating a transcendent narrative that spreads awareness about the genocide and remembers the spirits that were lost.

Raindrops over Rwanda starts by showing viewers the beauty of Rwanda, the lush green terrains, and the stunning wildlife that the country is known for. The documentary then delves into the events that led to the genocide in 1994, where the Hutu extremists took the lives of hundreds of thousands of Tutsis in a 100-day killing spree. The film takes us through the stories of individuals who were present during the genocide, their heart-wrenching experiences, and the scars that they carry.

The movie also reveals the efforts and resources poured in by organizations, activists, and common people that worked tirelessly to rebuild the country after the tragedy. Through volunteer interviews and voices of the younger generation, the film showcases an optimistic future for Rwanda that emerges from the darkness of the past.

One of the incredible aspects of the film is the way in which it presents its story. Raindrops over Rwanda intersperses several interviews with a storyline that keeps viewers engrossed, never straying too far from its focus. The presentation of the narrative is meticulously crafted and easy to follow, even for someone with little prior knowledge of the genocide.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of compassion and forgiveness, an emotion that transcends the tragedy and creates hope for the future. The movie explores the concept of "ubuntu," which roughly translates to "I am, because you are," a common African philosophy, that describes the interconnectedness of all people. It presents the notion that the spirit of unity and community can bring about healing in societies facing tragedy.

Raindrops over Rwanda also highlights the work of Craig Sholley, a wildlife conservationist who founded a gorilla sanctuary in Rwanda. The sanctuary serves as a safe haven, providing a home for the endangered gorillas that call Rwanda their homeland. Furthermore, the sanctuary, and the conservation work around it, believe that the protection of the biodiversity of the country can bring economic growth that benefits the community, thereby encouraging peace and prosperity in the region.

Honore Gatera, a young Rwandan who works as a guide in Volcanoes National Park (home of the gorilla sanctuary), also features in the documentary. His story is one of hope, resilience, and a testament to the human spirit, that overcomes all odds. Through his journey as a young survivor of the genocide who has been able to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life, the movie showcases the immense power of positivity.

In conclusion, Raindrops over Rwanda is an emotionally gripping documentary that serves as a powerful reminder of the atrocities that can take place when hate and fear are left unchecked. Through its poignant stories, the film makes it difficult for audiences to remain indifferent to the struggles of the Rwandan people and brings to the fore the efforts of an entire community, rebuilding and revitalizing itself. The movie succeeds in sensitizing viewers about the tragic episode in the country's history while inspiring them to work towards a peaceful, prosperous, and tolerant world for all.