Rwanda: The Royal Tour

Rwanda: The Royal Tour is a unique and enthralling travel and political documentary from 2018, directed by John Feist, that features renowned journalist Peter Greenberg and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The centerpiece of the film has Kagame guiding Greenberg through the vibrant and, at times, harrowing history of his beautiful African nation. The film efficiently blends travelogue, political analysis, and a leader's personal narrative to create a visually striking and remarkably informative documentary.

Throughout the documentary, Kagamé presents a vibrant panorama of his country, deftly guiding viewers through the country's spectacular landscapes, bustling cities, historic sites, and myriad technological and conservation efforts. One of the striking aspects of Rwanda: The Royal Tour is its fervor for showcasing Rwanda's resilience in rising from the devastating 1994 genocide, which left over a million people dead, to becoming one of Africa's emerging success stories.

Graced with the unique perspective of a head of state, Rwanda: The Royal Tour goes beyond mere tourist spots to reveal a multifaceted view of Rwanda that's as intriguing as it is surprising. Kagame's tour includes stunning national parks like the Volcanoes National Park, where the endangered mountain gorillas inhabit, and lush, tranquil rural areas that are home to tea and coffee plantations.

Rwanda's capital city, Kigali, offers its unique blend of traditional and contemporary life. Greenberg and Kagame visit The Kigali Genocide Memorial, a moving tribute to the victims of the genocide, providing a stark and sobering reminder of the country's past. These historical formative experiences and how Rwanda has managed to rise from them, form a compelling narrative thread throughout the film.

A major motif in the documentary is the Rwandan government's ambitious efforts to make their country a key global destination. Viewers will learn about Kagame's invite to young, innovative minds globally to transform Rwanda into the high-tech hub of Africa. The film educates the audience on projects like the Rwandan Drone Delivery service that uses drones to deliver blood and vaccines in remote rural areas, as well as its digital education and healthcare initiatives.

Exploring Rwanda's natural wonders, Greenberg and Kagame trek through Nyungwe National Park, one of the world's most ancient rainforests and a biodiversity hotspot. They also visit Akagera National Park, a savannah park teeming with giraffes, elephants, and lions. Akagera is a landmark example of ecotourism in Rwanda and showcases the nation's extraordinarily successful conservation efforts.

Rwanda: The Royal Tour doesn’t shy away from the more challenging parts of Kagame's presidency. Through Greenberg's probing journalism, the film also allows a close look at the controversies that highlight Kagame's tenure, including criticisms regarding human rights and political freedoms.

The documentary also explores Rwanda's rich cultural traditions, highlighting traditional dance, music, artisans, and its citizens' approach to reconciliation and unity post-genocide. There are particularly touching scenes where Kagame shares his vision for consolidating national unity and reconciliation while considering the diverse blend of tribal cultures within the country.

This engaging tour offers an unprecedented insight into Rwanda, an African nation navigating its unique path and presenting itself as a model for developing countries. Rwanda: The Royal Tour serves a dual purpose: It's not just a showcase of Rwanda’s beauty and potential, but also a more profound look at its history, culture, politics, and its journey towards progress and reconciliation.

Packed with captivating visual storytelling and insightful political analysis, Rwanda: The Royal Tour is a thought-provoking experience. It strikes a unique balance between showcasing Rwanda’s tourism potential and its broader socio-political canvas, making it an enlightening watch for anyone interested in history, politics, travel, or the fate of this extraordinary African nation. To travel with a head of state as your guide is a rare opportunity indeed, and Rwanda: The Royal Tour delivers that experience with style and substance.