Watch Earth Made of Glass

Earth Made of Glass is a stirring documentary-style film that explores the aftermath of the 1994 genocide that took place in Rwanda, as well as the country's ongoing efforts to come to terms with the terrible events that took place there. The film is directed by Deborah Scranton, an American filmmaker who previously directed the award-winning documentary The War Tapes.

The film is divided into two main storylines, one of which follows the investigation into the murder of Rwandan politician Seth Sendashonga, who was assassinated in Nairobi, Kenya in 1998. The other storyline follows the journey of President Paul Kagame, who was instrumental in ending the genocide, as he visits the UN and other international organizations to demand justice and support for the survivors.

The film introduces us to several key figures who are central to the story, including Rose Kabuye, who at the time of filming was the director general of state protocol for Rwanda. Kabuye was implicated in the assassination of Sendashonga, and her arrest and extradition to France to face charges are a major focus of the film. Jean-Pierre Sagahutu, a survivor of the genocide who lost nearly his entire family, is also a prominent figure in the film, and his personal story provides a powerful counterpoint to the political machinations that are unfolding.

Throughout the film, we see a country that is still struggling to come to terms with the horrors of the genocide. We hear from survivors who are still haunted by the memories of the killings, and we see the impact that the genocide has had on Rwanda's political culture. At the same time, we see a country that is determined to move forward and to build a better future for its citizens.

One of the most striking aspects of Earth Made of Glass is its use of archival footage from the genocide. We see images of mass graves, fleeing refugees, and the aftermath of brutal attacks, and these images are juxtaposed with interviews with survivors who describe the atrocities that they witnessed. The effect is both haunting and powerful, and it serves to underscore the devastating impact of the violence that took place.

The film is also notable for its focus on the political context of the genocide. We learn about the role that France played in supporting the Hutu regime that carried out the killings, and we see how the international community failed to intervene to stop the violence. The film also sheds light on the tensions between Rwanda and France in the years following the genocide, as the two nations have clashed over issues of justice and accountability.

Despite the weighty subject matter, Earth Made of Glass is a beautifully shot film that captures the stunning natural beauty of Rwanda. The film's soundtrack features traditional Rwandan music, as well as songs by artists like U2 and Peter Gabriel, and these musical interludes provide emotional resonance to the narrative.

In the end, Earth Made of Glass is a powerful and moving documentary that offers a compelling portrait of a nation still grappling with the legacy of the genocide. The film's focus on the political context of the violence, as well as its attention to individual stories of survival and resilience, make it a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about genocide and its aftermath. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the history of Rwanda and the ongoing efforts to promote justice and reconciliation in the wake of one of the greatest atrocities of the 20th century.

Earth Made of Glass is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.0.