Rwanda Film Explores Genocide's Echoes in Identity

Jonas d'Adesky's "Kwibuka, Remember" offers a profound look at Rwandan identity, centering on Lia, a European-raised basketball player returning to her ancestral land. The film intricately weaves her personal quest to understand her family history with the enduring effects of the 1994 genocide, portraying Rwanda beyond its tragic past.

D'Adesky aimed to capture the feeling of dual cultural belonging and depict Rwanda's present-day energy. Actress Sonia Rolland found portraying Lia, detached from her roots, a unique challenge, particularly when filming in sensitive memorial sites. This emotional depth reflects the film's core theme: the constant interplay between past and present.

The production itself mirrored the narrative of rebuilding, with 80% of the crew hailing from Rwanda's burgeoning film sector. This emphasis on local talent underscores the film's message of reconstruction, paralleling Lia's journey with Rwanda's own resilience and transformation.