- “Hotel Rwanda” (2004): This critically acclaimed film is based on a true story and depicts the events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. It follows the heroic efforts of hotel manager Paul Rusesabagina, played by Don Cheadle, as he protects and shelters refugees during the conflict.
- “Sometimes in April” (2005): Another movie centred around the Rwandan genocide, “Sometimes in April” presents the story of a Hutu man, played by Idris Elba, who struggles to protect his family amidst the violence and atrocities taking place.
- “Shake Hands with the Devil” (2007): Based on the memoirs of Lieutenant-General Roméo Dallaire, the film explores the experiences of UN peacekeeping troops in Rwanda during the genocide. It highlights Dallaire’s efforts to prevent the mass killings and his personal struggles in facing such horrors.
- “Munyurangabo” (2007): This Rwandan-made drama tells the story of two friends from different ethnic backgrounds who embark on a journey of self-discovery after the genocide. The movie examines themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the lingering effects of the atrocities.
- “Africa United” (2010): While not primarily set in Rwanda, this heartwarming comedy-adventure film follows a group of Rwandan children as they travel to South Africa for the World Cup. It sheds light on the resilience of the Rwandan people and their determination to overcome adversity.
- “We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families” by Philip Gourevitch: This highly acclaimed non-fiction book explores the Rwandan genocide. Gourevitch interviews survivors, provides historical context, and analyzes the factors leading to the genocide.
- “Baking Cakes in Kigali” by Gaile Parkin: Set in the aftermath of the genocide, this novel follows Angel Tungaraza, a Rwandan woman living in Kigali, as she runs a cake-baking business and navigates the challenges faced by herself and the community.
- “A Sunday at the Pool in Kigali” by Gil Courtemanche: This novel revolves around a love affair between a Canadian journalist and a Tutsi waitress in Kigali during the period leading up to the genocide. It explores the tensions and complexities of life in Rwanda at that time.
- “Machete Season: The Killers in Rwanda Speak” by Jean Hatzfeld: Through interviews with Rwandan perpetrators of the genocide, this book provides a chilling account of the atrocities committed. It offers insights into the minds of the killers and the factors that fueled the violence.
“Cockroaches” by Scholastique Mukasonga: This autobiographical novel by a Rwandan author depicts her experiences as a Tutsi girl growing up in the years leading up to the genocide. It explores themes of identity, discrimination, and survival
