Rwanda and the world on Monday, April 7, commenced commemoration of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, marking the 31st time of remembering. The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi claimed more than one million victims. Despite the passage of time, genocide denial, revisionism, and distortion of facts persist among the global community, especially the western. The New Times has curated a list of movies to watch to better understand the history and truth about what happened during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. These films contain sensitive and potentially triggering content. Viewer discretion is advised. Tuez-Les Tous Tuez-Les Tou, which translates to “Kill Them All,” is a documentary that embeds research, historical perspectives, interviews with representatives from Western countries, and testimonies of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Raphaël Glucksmann, a member of the European Parliament, directed the documentary with his friends David Hazan, Pierre Mezerette in 2004. “Step by step, this meticulous investigation examines the failure of the international community to preserve peace,” the documentary description reads. WATCH: Tuez-Les Tous In The Name of God Directed by Swedish filmmakers Peter and Maria Rinaldo, this documentary explores the complex role of Christian ideology and institutions before, during, and after the genocide. It was first released in 2004. WATCH: In The Name of God The 600: The Soldiers’ Story The 600 tells a story of the role of 600 Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) soldiers who were stationed in Kigali to protect political leaders of the armed opposition as part of the peace process that aimed at establishing a coalition with the government. When the genocide started, the battalion that was surrounded by approximately 10,000 government troops played a key role in defeating the genocidal government and rescued Tutsi who were being targeted around Kigali. The 117-minutes documentary incorporates stories from the soldiers and the people they rescued. The film was made by Great Blue Productions owned by Richard Hall, who is also the Executive Producer and A-WIZE MEDIA run by Anette Uwizeye his co-producer. It is documented in English and Kinyarwanda, with English subtitles. WATCH: The 600: The Soldiers’ Story Comprendre Le Génocide Des Tutsis Au Rwanda This film explains the historical roots, execution, and aftermath of the Genocide against the Tutsi. WATCH: Comprendre Le Génocide Des Tutsis Au Rwanda Root Causes of Genocide This documentary investigates the historical and political circumstances that led to the genocide, exploring the dangerous ideology and propaganda that fueled mass killings. WATCH: Root Causes of Genocide Secret of Thousand Hills Through survivor testimonies and archival footage, this film revisits Rwanda’s darkest chapter, while emphasizing the power of memory, justice through Gacaca, and healing. WATCH: Secret of Thousand Hills Ubumuntu Named after the Kinyarwanda word for humanity, Ubumuntu delves into stories of rescue during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. WATCH: Ubumuntu Rwanda: From Despair to Hope This documentary chronicles Rwanda’s path from devastation to recovery, highlighting how the country rebuilt itself through unity, justice, and vision. WATCH: Rwanda: From Despair to Hope Rwanda: Du Désespoir À L’Espoir The French version of the film equally captures Rwanda’s post-genocide transformation. WATCH: Rwanda: Du Désespoir À L’espoir The Genocide Against Tutsi This is a concise documentary that walks viewers through the key events and impact of the genocide, offering valuable context to the tragedy. WATCH: The Genocide Against Tutsi Other Kwibuka films.
