For Students and Educators

The widely acclaimed and Oscar nominated 2004 film Hotel Rwanda provides an excellent resource for students and educators looking to understand broader issues of genocide and the nature of conflict. Hotel Rwanda tells the true story of Paul Rusesabagina and his heroic efforts to save the lives of more than 1200 people, both Hutus and Tutsis, while serving as Manager of the Hotel des Milles Collines during the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The film helps viewers comprehend the divergent human responses to tragedy and examines compelling issues of moral responsibility. Hotel Rwanda will also educate viewers about the immediate causes of the genocide and its impact on the people of Rwanda. Though the film is set against the backdrop of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, it does not show violence in graphic detail and is rated PG-13. Paul Rusesabagina worked to ensure that the film made about his experiences was appropriate for viewing by students in the hopes that it would educate a new generation about genocide issues.

Hotel Rwanda is available from most major video stores and can also be purchased from online vendors. Paul Rusesabagina’s compelling autobiography, An Ordinary Man, is also widely available for purchase online and in retail bookstores.

Amnesty International has prepared the following comprehensive guide for educators wishing to teach the lessons of the film Hotel Rwanda: http://www.amnestyusa.org/education/pdf/rwanda_brochuredivided.pdf

Thank you for your interest in Hotel Rwanda and the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation.