Ep 8. Gorillas and Growth in Rwanda

Set in Rwanda, Breaking Borders season 1 episode 8, 'Gorillas and Growth in Rwanda' explores the country's efforts to rebuild themselves after a devastating war. The episode is dedicated to showcasing Rwanda's tourism industry, specifically their conservation of the endangered mountain gorillas.

Hosted by journalist Mariana van Zeller, she travels with a group of locals coming from different walks of life, including a former fighter turned park ranger, a genocide survivor, and an entrepreneur who empowers women through their local crafts. Their goal is to showcase Rwanda to the world as a country that is growing economically and socially, despite past struggles.

In the beginning, they visit thatch-roofed villages and bustling markets, where they interact with locals and learn about Rwanda's culture. Mariana also interviews locals from different backgrounds, who share their unique perspectives about life in Rwanda. She listens to the stories of a woman who lost family during the war, a young entrepreneur who aims to open Rwanda's first hostel to attract more tourists, and a park ranger who believes that Rwanda's gorillas have helped the country build relationships with other nations.

As the team enters Volcanoes National Park to trek the mountains in search of the mountain gorillas, they explore Rwanda's efforts in conservation. They follow park rangers into the thick forests, where they learn about the gorillas' habitat and behaviors. The rangers tell stories of their personal experiences with the gorillas, and how they have bonded with them throughout the years.

The team finally gets to encounter the gorillas and observe them in their natural habitat. They are in awe as they watch the primates interact with one another, and the rangers explain the importance of protecting the gorillas. In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Mariana interviews the president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, who shares his aspirations for the country's future, including Rwanda's pursuit of becoming a technology hub for Africa and the world.

Throughout the episode, Mariana and her team show Rwanda as a country whose people are committed to preserving their heritage, from its food to its wildlife. They are determined to create a positive future in the wake of the past’s devastation. Breaking Borders season 1 episode 8, 'Gorillas and Growth in Rwanda,' is an inspiring story of how Rwanda has faced its past and overcame it, focusing on creating a sustainable future.