As We Forgive is a powerful and inspiring documentary that explores the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Directed by Laura Waters Hinson and produced by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Lisa L. Hendey, the film takes a personal and intimate look at the lives of two women who have experienced unimaginable loss and tragedy, and their journey towards healing and forgiveness.
The film begins by providing historical context for the Rwandan genocide, which claimed the lives of nearly 1 million Tutsis and moderate Hutus in just 100 days. Through archival footage, interviews with survivors and perpetrators, and personal testimonies from the film's subjects, the audience is given a glimpse into the unimaginable horror and violence that took place during this dark period in Rwandan history.
The first half of the film focuses on Rosaria and Chantale, two women who survived the genocide but lost everything they held dear. Rosaria lost her husband and three children, while Chantale lost her parents and siblings. Both women were left with deep scars and a profound sense of pain and trauma.
As We Forgive follows Rosaria and Chantale as they struggle to rebuild their lives in the years following the genocide. Through interviews and personal accounts, we see the immense challenges they face, from poverty and discrimination to the ongoing psychological trauma of their experiences.
However, the heart of the film lies in the women's journey towards forgiveness and reconciliation. As they begin to rebuild their lives and find hope and purpose in their faith, Rosaria and Chantale begin to wrestle with the idea of forgiving those who perpetrated the atrocities of the genocide. They are joined in this journey by other survivors, as well as perpetrators who have been released from prison and seek to make amends for their actions.
The film provides a nuanced and complex exploration of forgiveness and reconciliation, avoiding simplistic platitudes and instead delving deeply into the ambiguities, complexities, and challenges of the process. Through interviews with experts, religious leaders, and psychologists, as well as personal accounts from the women themselves, the film explores the many dimensions of forgiveness: from the psychological and emotional challenges of letting go of anger and resentment, to the social and cultural pressures that surround it.
One of the most powerful moments in the film comes when Rosaria and Chantale meet face-to-face with the man who killed their family members. The scene is incredibly tense and emotional, as the women struggle to confront the person who caused them so much pain and suffering. However, the film also shows the possibility of healing and reconciliation, as the women begin to find a sense of closure and forgiveness in the midst of their pain.
As We Forgive is a deeply moving and powerful film that provides a profound meditation on the nature of forgiveness and the possibility of healing in the wake of unimaginable tragedy. Through the stories of Rosaria and Chantale, the film shows the transformative power of forgiveness, and how it can bring healing and hope even in the darkest of circumstances.
Overall, As We Forgive is a must-see film for anyone interested in the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, and the human capacity for resilience and hope in the midst of great suffering. From its powerful storytelling to its compelling characters, the film is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of redemption even in the darkest of circumstances.
