AS WE FORGIVE

Directed By: Laura Waters Hinson

Review By: Kim Jindra

I think I may have learned more about the 1994 Rwandan genocide and its aftermath from the documentary AS WE FORGIVE than from any previous source.  Perhaps it is because director Laurie Waters Hinson chose  to tell the story of a million deaths through the eyes of two victims, Rosaria and Chantale, and two Hutus, John and Saveri.  Both perpetrators knew their victims.  In fact they were friends, neighbors and beer drinking buddies.

A pregnant Rosaria  was 'macheted', shot and left for dead  along with her husband and four children.  She was the lone survivor. Chantale's father was among the Hutu's first victims.  His death in 1992 foreshadowed the brutality that would eventually claim the lives of 30 of her kinsmen.

John and Saveri said they felt pressured to kill or be killed themselves.  Both men eventually spent time in prison for their crimes but in 2003 they were released.  The Rwandan government  is in the process of trying to  send  Hutus  back to  the scene of their crimes,  back home to the villages  where they slaughtered their neighbors.  John and Saveri were released from prison because they admitted their guilt.  And according to the new Rwandan government  admission of guilt is the first step toward  redemption.

It is not easy for anyone.  Rosaria and Chantale are afraid.  It has only been 12 years.  Is it possible for them to forgive the men who murdered their families and left them destitute.  Saveri and John are afraid too.  They are also ashamed to meet them. 

The film takes you on this incredible journey.  The tension and fear are palpable. The camera work is excellent.  I ended up empathizing with everyone involved. It  is a must see.