Through intimate conversations with inspiring Rwandan women who are not only changing the global narrative about their country but also playing a pivotal role in building a better future for their communities, ‘Face of Resilience,’ a documentary film by Rwandan filmmakers, explores how resilience, reconciliation and community-building have shaped the country's transformation over the past three decades

The documentary was written by Divine Gashugi while she who co-produced it with Eliane Umuhire. Renowned filmmaker Mutiganda wa Nkunda directed the project.

‘Face of Resilience’ deliberately focuses on five Rwandan women in their 30s through intimate interviews with the aim to capture their individual stories, struggles and triumphs, which serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the nation.

The five women starring in the documentary include journalist Jeanne d’Arc Cyuzuzo, multidisciplinary artist Jemima Kakizi, poet Malaika Uwamahoro, fashion designer Deborah Assouma and social worker Pacifique Mukaseti.

The 24-minute long documentary adopts an interview and conversational format, allowing viewers to intimately engage with the subjects as they share their personal experiences and insights. It follows in the footsteps of other documentaries dedicated to the miracle of Rwanda, but sets itself apart by placing personal testimony at the heart of its narrative.

According to Mutiganda wa Nkunda, the documentary delves into the extraordinary journey of resilience undertaken by the Rwandan people in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi.

"Through intimate conversations with inspiring Rwandan women who are not only changing the global narrative about their country but also playing a pivotal role in building a better future for their communities, this film explores how resilience, reconciliation, and community-building have shaped the country's transformation over the past three decades,” Mutiganda told The New Times.

‘The Face of Resilience’ explores some of the key questions asked to the women who are in the documentary on how they define resilience and how it shaped their lives, where they find the courage to keep going, despite the daily challenges faced, as well as their message of hope for children somewhere in the world, who may be facing conflict or trauma.

In the documentary, the five women also share about a time when they faced a crisis related to their identity and how they dealt with it. They also highlight Rwanda’s remarkable transformation and achievements since 1994.

The documentary, Mutiganda said, seeks to honor the resilience, courage and humanity of the Rwandan people, while also inspiring audiences around the world to confront the darkest chapters of history with empathy, understanding, and a renewed commitment to building a more just and compassionate world.

By shining a light on the face of resilience in Rwanda, this documentary aims to ignite conversations and ultimately, promote healing and reconciliation on an individual and collective level.

"The Face of Resilience" was for the first time showcased in Accra on May 23 and in Dakar on May 29 during events of commemoration of the Genocide against Tutsis organized by Goethe Institutes of respective countries, Rwandan embassies and Ibuka in the respective countries.

In August, another screening will be held in Kigali, accompanied by a panel discussion to foster dialogue and reflection within the local community.