Tag: documentary

It’s hard to believe that almost five years ago, five friends started planning for a trip to Rwanda. Our plan was to shoot a documentary in two weeks, spend a month in hard-core editing, and have it ready to watch by the summer of 2005.

I was so naive, in so many ways. I had shot several documentaries by this point, but nothing on this scale. The process has been intense, difficult, and there was more than once that the whole thing almost didn’t happen. But here we are… the film is ready for the world to see on DVD.

You can get your copy here: Hope Rises Store. There is more info and trailers on the website as well as a Facebook fan page.

Thanks for all of your support over the years to get this thing made.

Rwanda: Hope Rises is screening in Toronto at the Bloor Cinema, 7pm Tuesday May 12th. Samputu, who’s music is featured in the film, will be playing before the screening. Come & bring your friends :)

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Canadian Premiere of Rwanda: Hope Rises. We had a great time, and a great turnout, almost selling out the first show. A lot of faces I didn’t recognize, which for me is one of our biggest successes. Everything went well – the excellent venue, a great pre-reception with wine, cheese and mingling, and a beautiful screen to watch the story play out on.

We had great media coverage, which helped with the turnout. Below is a video from local daily 24 Hours:

The film was also covered by the Province, Global TV, and the print version of 24 Hours which has a high readership on the daily commute.

I’ve been laying low, taking it easy over the last couple days. It was an exhausting sprint getting everything ready, but I am immensely satisfied with the result. Big thanks to Kelly, Mike, Chris and the rest of the volunteers, and to Wellspring for hosting the event. This event wouldnt’ve happened without you.