AFFRM's KINYARWANDA Selected to EbertFest

By Van Sherman

Illustration by Kagan McLeodWe are pleased that venerable film critic Roger Ebert and team selected AFFRM's KINYARWANDA for his annual celebration of film, EBERTFEST!

AFFRM Founder Ava DuVernay personally introduced Mr. Ebert to the film in December 2011 while promoting our theatrical release, and he immediately responded to Alrick's Brown searing human drama. He wrote, "I thought I knew something about Rwanda, but I didn't really know very much. I was moved by "Hotel Rwanda" (2004), but not really shaken this deeply. Not like this. After seeing "Kinyarwanda," I have a different kind of feeling about the genocide that took place in Rwanda in 1994."

On Thursday, April 26, EBERTFEST will present KINYARWANDA to its audience of film enthusiasts. Mr. Ebert describes the film as follows at his EBERTFEST (hyperlink) website.

"We'll show another of this year's new discoveries, KINYARWANDA at 4 p.m. The film was made on a tight budget and shooting schedule and uses all local actors in Rwanda, but it could not be more effective or look more professional. Watching it made me realize that "Hotel Rwanda," powerful as it was, gave the view from the top, and "Kinyarwanda" puts us inside the situation at ground level.  Rwandans commit the murders, suffer from the murders, recover and repent. Interlocking vignettes establish a vivid group of characters. Each one adds to the mosaic. Characters from one turn up in another. Gradually a powerful outcome is arrived at. Finally Muslims and Catholics link hands to face the bloodthirsty killers. What we're seeing is South Africa's truth and reconciliation process at work in another situation. Among our guests will be Alrick Brown, the Jamaican writer-director; Cassandra Freeman, who plays Lieutenant Rose, and other members of the production team."

Congratulations to Alrick and team! And thank you Mr. Ebert for your support of KINYARWANDA!

Comments

[Mark Lee]

Love Ebertfest!