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Kinyarwanda is a 2011 independent drama film directed by Alrick Brown with a screenplay co-written by him and Ishmael Ntihabose. The film features a predominantly Rwandan cast who portray a series of interconnected characters whose lives are impacted by the Rwandan Genocide. The movie is set in the early 1990s in Rwanda and projected at the time of the Genocide in 1994. The story of the film is divided into six interwoven tales that depict the harrowing experiences of ordinary Rwandans trying to navigate their way through an unfolding tragedy. The film presents the personal stories of individuals, families, and communities that are caught up in the violence and chaos of the genocide.

The first tale in the film features a Muslim woman named Fatima (Hadidja Zaninka) who is forced to shelter a sought-after Hutu soldier in her home. Despite her fear of him, she takes pity on the man and decides to protect him from the Tutsi rebels hunting him down. However, her acts of kindness endanger the lives of her family and community members.

The second tale is centered on Nyamugali (Cleophas Kabasita), a young Tutsi woman who is falling in love with a Hutu man named Gisabo (Edouard Bamporiki). However, their romance is disrupted by the rising tensions between the two ethnic communities, and Nyamugali is forced to flee from her village. Gisabo embarks on a journey to find her, and in doing so, he confronts his own prejudices and learns to appreciate the value of love.

Another sequence in the film involves a young couple, Jeanne (Mursari Jean) and Emmanuel (Assumpta Micho), who is planning to get married. When the genocide erupts, they find themselves trapped in a house with a group of people from different ethnic backgrounds. Their survival depends on their ability to overcome their cultural differences and unite in the face of adversity.

The fourth story depicts a group of soldiers who are dispatched to kill Tutsis. One of the soldiers, a Christian pastor named Father Pierre (Marc Gwamaka), is struggling with his conscience and wrestles with the morality of his actions. As he grapples with his religious beliefs, his humanity forces him to make difficult choices that will define his character.

The film's fifth narrative revolves around Mama Costa (Cassandra Freeman), an American woman who has come to Rwanda to adopt a Rwandan child. After the genocide breaks out, Mama Costa's life is turned upside down. She is forced to confront her own preconceptions of Rwanda and the people she has come to love.

The final tale in the film portrays the inspiring strength of faith amongst the Rwandans. An elderly Tutsi couple navigate the violence with their devoted faith in the face of the atrocities they have to witness.

Kinyarwanda is a powerful and emotional portrayal of one of the darkest periods in Rwandan history. The film showcases the resilience, courage and compassion of the Rwandan people in the face of unimaginable horror. It confronts themes of hate, ethnic differences, death, and survival. Rather than demonizing either ethnic group, the movie portrays the complexities of the conflict, highlighting the importance of unity and empathy in the midst of tragedy.

The exceptional cast captures the raw emotions of the characters, which are creatively interwoven to create an impactful story. The cinematography of the movie is strong, attesting the beautiful scenes in Rwanda which serves as a perfect pre-war echo. The film's score is also powerful and emotional, adding depth and tension to the film's dramatic moments.

Kinyarwanda has received wide critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival. The movie has been celebrated for its insightful and sensitive portrayal of the Rwandan genocide. It stands out as a remarkable piece of film making, revealing the humanity of people in times of crisis. Overall, Kinyarwanda is a poignant masterpiece and a must-watch for anyone interested in Rwandan history and culture.

Kinyarwanda is a 2010 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8 and a MetaScore of 69.