(2009; Kinyarwanda) Employing a minimum of narrative framework, director/writer Anne Aghion portrays the process of reconciliation between Hutus and Tutsis in Rwanda toward peaceful coexistence through interviews (ambivalence among most victims) and testimony (accusations and denials) during local tribunals.

In 2001 Rwanda's parliament passed a law establishing the Gacaco Courts as a means of rebuilding the nation following the 1994 genocide against Tutsis (three-quarters of their people having been exterminated) through trials and confessions, neighbors hearing and judging neighbors with clemency to be granted, to "replenish hearts" before its too late to avoid leaving an unforgiveable legacy.

The government's high-minded attitude is contrasted with the uncertainties of ordinary Rwandans. Punishment is necessary, a young man expresses the view that examples should be made of Hutus to discourage a repeat of history; a woman says: "Just seeing them sickens me."

In May 2003, those detainees who confessed to having committed crimes - initially 20,000 of 100,000 prisoners in lockups - are released to return to their communities. Asked about their feelings at seeing again those who hacked their children to death, raped them, burned their homes, and stole their cattle, the survivors (mostly women) express resentment and fear (who's to stop them from attacking again?) at being expected to embrace these murderers. One old woman says cynically: "I'm already dead…. Let them come."

A Hutu who returns, Abraham Rwanfizi, while freely admitting to going on patrols, says he was falsely accused of atrocities. "Remembering is a very private act," he comments thoughtfully, pointing out that some Hutus are sincere in pledging "Never again," while others still harbor a desire for a different denouement. In July 2007 the tribunal sentences him to one year in prison, for which his previous six years of incarceration count as time served.

Others deny specific accusers in public forums, refusing to accept particular blame; a Hutu man, who had been an attacking gang member, offers only a general expression of regret (his ten years in prison are counted as sufficient punishment): "our mission was to kill without thinking who did what." To receive clemency and reduced sentences, the Hutus brought before the tribunals are urged to name their victims and details of their crimes along with expressing contrition.

Cows can be replaced, says a grieving Tutsi woman, but never will she have her children back. While those who slew her family can be forgiven, the killers should not be relieved of the burdens of guilt they bear, avers another woman, since no one can remove the haunting memories of her own suffering or the sound of machetes chopping people like bananas.

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Copyright © 2009 Patrick Ivers. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

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