News: May 2009 Archives

Rosaria and Saveri talk outside her home in the Umuvumu Tree Village in early April '09

 Dear Friends,

I had an incredible experience while on my recent trip to Rwanda.  I showed the film for the first time to Rosaria, Saveri, John and Chantale—the subjects of the documentary.  I was a little nervous, wondering what they would think about seeing their own very personal stories of reconciliation on the screen of my laptop.  These are people who have rarely—if ever–watched a TV show!

As we viewed As We Forgive together, Rosaria sat side-by-side with Saveri, the man who brutally murdered her sister.  Today, they live as neighbors once again after deciding to reconcile. When the film was over, Rosaria looked up and said, “I am happy that so many people will hear our story through the film, and hopefully it will help others to reconcile as well.”  Next, Saveri offered his thoughts: “All that you have shown here is true.  This is really how it happened.”

We talked at length about their thoughts, and needless to say, I was overjoyed at their encouragement and excitement about us showing the film to people across the world.  Both of them appeared to be happy and healthy, and they talked together about how their friendship had deepened as they continued to live as neighbors in the new village.

As many of you know, Rwanda is in the midst of the 100-day commemoration period of the 1994 genocide.  During this time, we want to introduce you further to the Living Bricks Campaign, our viewer action initiative.  We’ll be sending out regular updates on the village we’re building through the support of our viewers.  It’s a place where killers and survivors live side-by-side as neighbors through reconciliation.  We’ll also update you on our plans to take As We Forgive on a nationwide screening tour throughout Rwanda, showing the film in villages, schools, universities, prisons and churches.  We hope you’ll get involved in Rwanda’s incredible reconciliation movement by joining the Living Bricks Campaign.  Click on the link below to “give a brick” which will help build a home within the Living Bricks Village.

Stay tuned for our next update about John and Chantale’s response to seeing themselves in the movie!

Sincerely,

Laura

 Rosaria and Saveri show their proximity of living side-by-side in the village

Laura had the honor of sharing the film with Rosaria and Saveri for the first time
during her trip in early April.