A Sunday in 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, Céline Bonnier

3 wins & 9 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Luc Picard	...	Bernard Valcourt
Fatou N'Diaye	...	Gentille
Céline Bonnier	...	Élise
Luck Mervil	...	Raphaël
Maka Kotto	...	Manu
Fayolle Jean	...	Victor
Léonce Ngabo	...	Maurice
Jean-Chris Banange Semutakirwa	...	Modeste
Erwin Weche	...	D.J. Rock
Mireille Metellus	...	Agathe
Natasha Muziramakenga	...	Émerita
Guy Thauvette	...	Général Roméo Dallaire
Luc Proulx	...	Père Louis
Eric Kabanda	...	Cyprien
Geneviève Brouillette	...	Madame la Consule

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:

africa | young woman | hotel des milles collines kigali rwanda | rwandan genocide | falling in love | 

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Genres:

Drama

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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")

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:

CAD7,000,000 (estimated)

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$1,609

Company Credits

Production Co:

Equinoxe Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

118 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1