Watch Finding Hillywood

Finding Hillywood is a poignant and captivating documentary film that chronicles the development of Rwanda's film industry in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. The movie, directed by Christopher Redmond and Leah Warshawski, provides an intimate and engaging look at how the East African country is rediscovering its voice and telling its stories through the medium of film.

The documentary follows the journey of five Rwandan filmmakers as they embark on a mission to organize the Hillywood Film Festival, which is the first-ever international film festival to be held in Rwanda. The festival is named after the country's hilly geography and is a celebration of the burgeoning film industry, which has emerged in the wake of the genocide. The filmmakers' goal is to boost national pride and showcase the culture and resilience of the Rwandan people.

The movie is narrated by Eric Kabera, one of the pioneers of Rwanda's film industry and the founder of the Hillywood Film Festival. Kabera provides insight into the challenges that the local filmmakers have faced, including limited funding, lack of equipment, and a shortage of skilled personnel. The documentary also explores the traumatic legacy of the genocide and how it has affected the country's social fabric and artistic expression.

Finding Hillywood is filmed against the backdrop of Rwanda's breathtaking landscapes, giving the audience a glimpse of the country's natural beauty and highlighting the importance of place in storytelling. The movie features interviews with local actors, directors, and producers and showcases their work, which ranges from comedies to dramas to documentaries. The diversity of styles and genres is a testament to Rwanda's rich cultural heritage and its capacity for artistic expression.

The movie's emotional core lies in the stories of the individual filmmakers, who are driven by a passion for their craft and a deep desire to uplift their country. The filmmakers are young and vibrant, and each one brings a unique perspective to the project. Some of them grew up during the genocide, and their stories are a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of art to heal and transform.

The documentary also touches on the role of film in promoting reconciliation and healing in Rwanda. Many of the filmmakers see their work as a way of addressing the trauma of the genocide and fostering unity among different ethnic groups. The Hillywood Film Festival is a platform for showcasing these films and bringing people together in a shared celebration of culture and diversity.

Overall, Finding Hillywood is a moving and inspiring documentary that sheds light on the challenges and triumphs of Rwanda's emerging film industry. The movie is a testament to the resilience of the Rwandan people and their capacity for creativity and innovation. It is also a celebration of the transformative power of art and its ability to heal, unite, and bring hope to a country that has experienced unimaginable pain and suffering.

Finding Hillywood is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 58 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.