Un dimanche à Kigali (2006)

In April 1994, the middle-aged Canadian journalist Bernard Valcourt is making a documentary in Kigali about AIDS. He secretly falls in love for the Tutsi waitress of his hotel Gentille, who... See full summary »

Director:

Robert Favreau

Writers:

Gil Courtemanche (novel), Robert Favreau (screenplay)

Stars:

Luc Picard, Fatou N'Diaye, Vincent Bilodeau

3 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Luc Picard	...	Bernard Valcourt
Fatou N'Diaye	...	Gentille
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Vincent Bilodeau
Céline Bonnier
Geneviève Brouillette
Alice Isimbi
Fayolle Jean
Maka Kotto
Louise Laparé
Alexis Martin
Luck Mervil
Mireille Metellus
Luc Proulx
Guy Thauvette	...	Général Roméo Dallaire
Erwin Weche

Storyline

In April 1994, the middle-aged Canadian journalist Bernard Valcourt is making a documentary in Kigali about AIDS. He secretly falls in love for the Tutsi waitress of his hotel Gentille, who is younger than him, in a period of violent racial conflicts. When the genocide of the Tutsis by the Hutus in Rwanda begins, Bernard does not succeed in escaping with Gentille to Canada. When the genocide finishes in July 1994, Bernard returns to the chaotic Kigali seeking out Gentille in the middle of destruction and dead bodies.

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Plot Keywords:

rwanda | based on novel

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

Canada

Language:

French

Release Date:

12 April 2006 (Canada)

Also Known As:

A Sunday in Kigali

Filming Locations:

Kigali, Rwanda

Box Office

Budget:

CAD 7,000,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Equinoxe Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min 118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

User Reviews

Heartbreaking and Powerful Gem

In April 1994, the middle-aged Canadian journalist Bernard Valcourt (Luc Picard) is making a documentary in Kigali about AIDS. He secretly falls in love for the Tutsi waitress of his hotel Gentille (Fatou N'Diaye), who is younger than him, in a period of violent racial conflicts. When the genocide of the Tutsis by the Hutus in Rwanda begins, Bernard does not succeed in escaping with Gentille to Canada. When the genocide finishes in July 1994, Bernard returns to the chaotic Kigali seeking out Gentille in the middle of destruction and dead bodies.

The heartbreaking and powerful "Un Dimanche à Kigali" is certainly the best Canadian movie I have ever seen. The engaging story is a sort of complement of "Hotel Rwanda" and "Shooting Dogs", focused in the romance of a Canadian journalist and a Tutsi waitress, but disclosing also the genocide of the Tutsis in the landscape of a troubled Rwanda while the West simply ignored and turned back to the fate of millions of people. Luc Picard has a magnificent performance that would deserve a nomination to the Oscar, if this award was really concerned with great movies and performances; the gorgeous Fatou N'Diaye has also an awesome performance in the role of Gentille. The direction is realistic, supported by stunning cinematography and scenarios. It is worth seeing this gem recommended to lovers of great movies. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Tensão em Ruanda" ("Tension in Rwanda")