Yes, Hotel Rwanda (2004) is based on a true story. The film portrays the events that took place during the Rwandan genocide in 1994 and the efforts of Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager, to save the lives of his family and more than a thousand refugees who sought shelter in his hotel.
What is the true story behind the movie Hotel Rwanda (2004)?
The movie Hotel Rwanda is based on the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, who was a hotel manager during the 1994 Rwandan genocide. In 1994, the Hutu majority government began a campaign against the Tutsi minority, resulting in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people in just 100 days.
Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu, used his position at the Hôtel des Mille Collines in Kigali to protect and shelter Tutsi refugees and moderate Hutus who were being targeted by Hutu militias. Rusesabagina used his connections and negotiating skills to secure the safety of his guests, providing them with food, water, and medical care throughout the genocide despite being threatened by the militias.
The movie shows the immense bravery and compassion of Paul Rusesabagina, as well as the devastating impact of the Rwandan genocide. However, some survivors have criticized the movie for its inaccuracies and for portraying Rusesabagina as solely responsible for saving the refugees, when in fact there were many other people involved in the rescue efforts. Additionally, Rusesabagina has been accused of embellishing his role in the events of 1994 for personal gain.
Are there any books about the true story behind the movie Hotel Rwanda (2004)?
Yes, there are several books about the true story behind the movie Hotel Rwanda:
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An Ordinary Man: An Autobiography by Paul Rusesabagina - This book is a firsthand account of the events portrayed in the movie. Rusesabagina was the manager of the Hotel des Mille Collines in Kigali, Rwanda, during the Rwandan genocide.
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Shake Hands with the Devil: The Failure of Humanity in Rwanda by Romeo Dallaire - This book is written by Lieutenant-General Romeo Dallaire, who was the UN force commander in Rwanda during the genocide. It provides a detailed account of his experiences and the challenges he faced.
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We Wish to Inform You That Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families: Stories from Rwanda by Philip Gourevitch - This book is a journalistic account of the Rwandan genocide, including the events at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
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Into the Quick of Life: The Rwandan Genocide - The Survivors Speak by Jean Hatzfeld - This book is based on interviews with survivors of the genocide, including some who sought refuge at the Hotel des Mille Collines.
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The Last Man Standing: H.R.T.’s Finest, Fastest, and Deadliest Front-Line Fighters Against Terrorism by Tom Block - This book is about the FBI’s Hostage Rescue Team (HRT), which played a role in the rescue of Paul Rusesabagina and his family from Rwanda.
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