Watch Gacaca, Living Together Again In Rwanda?

Gacaca, Living Together Again in Rwanda is a 2002 documentary film directed by Anne Aghion. It tells the story of the Gacaca tribunals, a traditional justice system that was revived in Rwanda after the 1994 genocide. The film takes place in the aftermath of the genocide, when the country was struggling to come to terms with the atrocities that had been committed. The Gacaca tribunals were set up as a way to address the genocide, by giving perpetrators and victims a chance to face one another, and to talk about what had happened.

The film follows a number of people who have been affected by the genocide, including victims, perpetrators, and those who have lost loved ones. Through their stories, the film explores the challenges of reconciliation and forgiveness, and the role that the Gacaca tribunals played in this process.

One of the central themes of the film is the idea of living together again. The genocide had caused deep divisions within Rwandan society, and the Gacaca tribunals were seen as a way to bring people back together. Through the tribunals, people were forced to confront the reality of what had happened, and to acknowledge the pain that had been inflicted on others.

The film also explores the limitations of the Gacaca tribunals. While they were an important step towards reconciliation, they were also flawed in many ways. For example, some participants felt that the tribunals were too focused on punishing perpetrators, rather than on healing relationships or addressing the root causes of the genocide.

Despite these flaws, the film ultimately suggests that the Gacaca tribunals were a critical part of Rwanda's path towards reconciliation. By bringing people together and allowing them to talk about what had happened, the tribunals helped to create a sense of shared responsibility for Rwanda's past, and to pave the way for a more peaceful future.

Overall, Gacaca, Living Together Again in Rwanda is a powerful and moving film that offers a perspective on the aftermath of the genocide that is rarely seen in Western media. By documenting the experiences of those who have been most affected by the genocide, it provides a nuanced and complex understanding of the challenges of reconciliation and forgiveness. It is a must-see for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of the Rwandan genocide, and the role that traditional justice systems can play in promoting healing and reconciliation.