Finding Hillywood (2013)
“Finding Hillywood” is an inspirational film about the making of the Rwandan film industry and the power of film to change and heal individuals and communities. It tells the story of how a nation, still healing from the 1994 genocide, creates a film industry as both an outlet for the pain and a way to bring entertainment and a new industry to the population. Hillywood, which is named for Rwanda’s hilly terrain, is a traveling film festival that screens films made by, about, and for Rwandans. The festival goes from town to town, setting up public, outdoor screenings, on inflatable screens, to showcase Rwandan films.
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Wow! Such a good movie.
Good , But It Is Overrated By Some
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
FINDING HILLWOOD chronicles the lives of several artists who are building Rwanda's film industry from the ground up. As these heroes tackle personal challenges, their country's limited resources, and the legacy of the 1994 genocide, they create art that inspires and entertains and ultimately heals the wounds of their homeland.The film showcases the work of several Rwandan film-makers--Ayuub, Eric, and Nicole, among others--all of whom deserve a wide audience. FINDING HILLYWOOD's director Leah Warshawski captures the frustrations inherent in bringing films to rural people who have never seen a movie before. As barefoot crowds endure rainstorms and power failures in order to watch THEIR stories on an inflatable screen, the viewer sees, and feels,the absolute magic of cinema.
This is a great story, and a great find. I just wish the film followed what happened to the principle characters after the film (which is probably impossible unless you have a time machine) but perhaps that will be a DVD extra...These people went through so much in Rwanda, and saw/did unspeakable things. It's so sad and heart breaking, though amazing that there is so much forgiveness in the people of Rwanda. Also that you don't need a lot in life to be happy and that we are truly lucky (or spoiled) here in the United States.Hat off to Chris, Leah, and Todd for keeping with it. I know going back and forth to Rwanda couldn't have been easy (or fun) in any way. All three of you put your heart and soul into this film and it shows.