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In Rwanda, April 7 marks the beginning of the ‘Kwibuka’ period.
Kwibuka (a Kinyarwandan word that means ‘Remember’) is an annual commemoration that serves as a solemn reminder of the atrocities committed in Rwanda from April 7 to July 19 1994.
Recognised by the UN as a commemorative event, it further serves to reinforce the collective responsibility of the international community to combat genocide and its ideologies.
To commemorate the day in solidarity with one of its member states, the African Union will host an event dubbed “A Walk To Remember” to mark the occasion.
Additionally, acknowledging the day, Secretary General to the UN, António Guterres asked that the world remains vigilant.
“On this International Day of Reflection on the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, let’s commit to be vigilant and to work together to build a world of justice and dignity for all – in honour of all the victims and survivors of the genocide.”
As the world commemorates the 31st anniversary of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, storytelling through film remains one of the most powerful tools for remembrance, education, and healing.
Here are five short and long documentaries that shed light on the genocide and life after for the survivors.
Rwanda: The Silence of Words
Synopsis: Genocide survivors Prisca, Marie-Jeanne and Concessa tell the story of their survival of the Rwandan genocide and how they sought safety in refugee camps, only to be repeatedly raped and abused by the French soldiers sent there to protect them.
Discovery of Rwandan genocide victims 30 years later
Synopsis: Released in 2024, Al Jazeera’s Stefanie Dekker reports from Huye, Rwanda where mass graves of the victims of the genocide are still being uncovered.
Colonial Roots of Genocide in Rwanda
Synopsis: Thirty years after the genocide, Samuel Ishimwe sets out to discover what set these terrible events in motion.
Life After the Genocide
Synopsis: Focuses on a Rwandan organisation that uses creativity to soothe the psychological wounds and ensure that history does not repeat itself.
My Return Home 30 years after Rwanda’s Genocide
Synopsis: BBC reporter, Victoria Uwonkunda, makes an emotional journey back to Rwanda, where she grew up.
