Yesterday marked the UK broadcast premiere of Deborah Scranton‘s remarkable film, Rwanda After Genocide.
The film which premiered last year at the Tribeca Film Festival under the title Earth Made of Glass, tells the story of Jean-Pierre Sagahutu and his search for the remains of his father, murdered during the genocide alongside his mother, four brothers and two sisters.
Despite many initial denials, Jean-Pierre discovers the truth as to the final moments of his father’s life. However, the film raises the issue of the continuing challenge of survivors in Rwanda – to find out what became of loved ones, and to locate their remains to ensure that they can be buried with dignity.
Alongside the story of Jean-Pierre, Scranton highlights the role of the French government before and during the genocide. That the French government were aware of the planning of the genocide and did nothing to prevent it is known, however further proof was presented as to their involvement in the sale of arms to Hutu extremists that enabled the genocide.
As President Kagame comments, during an interview in the film, about how such evidence has been attempted to be covered up: “the truth will pass through the fire but will not burn.”