Protecting Life In Africa: Rwanda, Sudan, And Jane Goodall
25 Years since Rwandan Genocide
President Kagame lighting the flame on rememberence.
Rwanda: Sunday marked the 25th Anniversary of the Rwandan genocide and started the days of mourning that is set for 100 days. Thousands of Rwandans were mass slaughtered by their fellow Rwandans in a state led genocide because they belonged to the Tutsi ethnic group. Although they have made great progress since then, the Rwandans are still facing the consequential damages, in terms of poverty and quality education.
“As we Forgive”, by Laura Waters Hinson talks about justice and reconciliation in the face of aftermaths of the genocide. The Film won the Cinema for Peace Award for Justice in the Year 2010. “Hotel Rwanda” tells the story of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager who housed thousands of Tutsi refugees during their struggle. It won The Most Valuable Film of the Year 2005.
Trailer: As We Forgive by Laura Waters Hinson
Trailer: Hotel Rwanda by Terry George
Sudan Protests: End of
Al-Bashir's rule?
Sudanese protesters in front of Omar Al Bashir's residence.
Sudan: For the past three days, thousands of Sudanese citizens have been relentlessly protesting against the President of Sudan and calling for his step down. The Protests marks the anniversary of the 1985 uprising that toppled the regime of President Jaafar Nimeiri. After Al-Bashir's refusal to step down, the people are calling for the military to intervene. Some soldiers have already stepped in to protect demonstrators.
Omar Al Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court for individual criminal responsibility for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The Film "The Heart of Nuba" shows the brutality of his loyal forces through their airstrikes against the people and Dr. Tom Catena's selfless service at his hospital in the Nuba Mountains, protecting lives of these Innocent civilians. "The Heart of Nuba" won The Most Valuable Documentary of the Year award at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2019, and was received by Dr. Tom Catena. Fortunately, after the release of the film, Al-Bashir had stopped the airstrikes in the Nuba Mountains.The 2007 Documentaries "The Devil Came on Horseback" and "Darfur Now" documents the brutal ethnic cleansing in Darfur. "Darfur Now" was nominated for The Most Valuable Documentary of the Year award at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2008
Trailer: The Heart of Nuba by Kenneth A. Carlson
Trailer: The Devil Came on Horseback by Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg
Trailer: Darfur Now by Ted Braun
Jane Goodall 85-
Happy Birthday!
Dr. Jane Goodall at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2018 in Berlin.
In the year 1964, the 26 year old Jane Goodall took a choice to travel to Tanzania to begin a transformative study that not only changed the way humans think about chimpanzees, but also the role of women in science. Since these startling discoveries, she has written over 24 books, been a part of over 18 films and gave countless inspirational speeches. She discovered that humans are not the only animals that can make and use tools or have complex social behaviours, but also chimpanzees. In 1977, she established the Jane Goodall Institute to facilitate a platform for conservation, education and research. Today, at the age of 85, she is touring the world, inspiring people on environmental and conservation issues as the United Nations Messenger of Peace.
In 2013, She also visited Rwanda to work with the Rwanda Development board in strengthening Chimpanzee habitat and tourism. Recently, the Jane God all Institute announced the construction of a Chimpanzee Museum in Arusha, Tanzania, aimed at education and conservation of chimpanzee habitats and also act as a centre for other conservation efforts in the region. Dr. Jane Goodall joined us at the Cinema for Peace Gala 2018 and was awarded with the Cinema for Peace Honorary Award 2018. Brett Morgen’s incredible documentary on Jane’s initial works in Tanzania, called ‘Jane’ was the winner of the International Green Film Award 2018.
Trailer: Jane by Brett Morgen