Trees of Peace

Trees of Peace is a raw, deeply human, and authentic depiction of survival and resilience, directed by the incredibly talented Alana Brown. This 2021 dramatic film unfolds during the real-life horror that was the Rwandan genocide in 1994, a period that witnessed the cold-blooded killing of approximately a million Tutsi ethnic group by the Hutus in Rwanda.

Eliane Umuhire, a rising star in the film industry, lends her exceptional acting skills to the character of Agnes, a Tutsi woman who is the focal point of the film. Agnes is portrayed as a peaceful woman, cautious, and unassuming, trapped in unfathomable conditions. She serves as one of the film's compelling protagonists, her character standing as a stark representation of the many Tutsi women who had to endure the Rwandan genocide.

Charmaine Bingwa plays the role of Sikitu, an emotionally resilient and incredibly brave woman, who, despite being a Hutu, refuses to uphold the violent prejudice of the time. Bingwa's performance showcases a profound portrayal of humanity amid a backdrop of inhumanity, and how the purity of humanity can transcend even the darkest times.

Rounding out the lead cast, Ella Cannon portrays the character of Jeanne, another Tutsi woman whose life intertwines with Agnes and Sikitu's in the most unimaginable and horrifying circumstances. Jeanne's character development throughout the film is astoundingly compelling, revealing the depth of human willpower and the capacity to survive in the face of adversity.

The film unfolds within the claustrophobic confines of a small, cramped bathroom inside a house in the capital, Kigali. The house belongs to a Hutu pastor, whose firmly held moral stance becomes a lifeline for four Tutsi women, including Jeanne and Agnes. As the film progresses, the bathroom evolves from merely a physical space into a symbol of life and death, safety and dread - a metaphor for their horrifying experience in the genocide.

Brown does an impressive job in accentuating the contrasting lives of the women before and after the Genocide, slowly transitioning from a normal life to a survivalist's desolate existence. There is an unnerving authenticity in the depiction of the claustrophobic setting; close-up shots, hushed dialogues, and highly expressive performances that aptly convey the fear, anguish, and desperation of their predicament.

Beyond its heavy historical roots and vivid portrayal of the genocide, Trees of Peace is at its core, a film about women's resilience and unity. It is a celebration of the lengths the human spirit is willing to go to protect, persevere, and hope against every odd. The title itself, 'Trees of Peace', resonates as a metaphor for these women, standing tall and firm in the face of a storm, seeking solace and survival in their camaraderie.

The film is a nuanced, piercing narrative that focuses not on the violent aspects of the genocide, but rather, on the human aspect, the struggle for survival and hope in hopeless places. It’s a tribute to the millions of lives lost and to the survivors who shared their stories, which have been woven together in this narrative.

Trees of Peace goes beyond its duty as a historical retelling to penetrate straight to the heart of what it truly means to endure and survive in the face of absolute terror. The performances are compelling, the direction is flawless, and the story, while brutally honest, is also infused with moments of light, hope and the strength of human spirit.

In conclusion, Trees of Peace is a highly commendable dramatic portrayal of one of history's most horrifying genocides. The realistic performances by Eliane Umuhire, Charmaine Bingwa and Ella Cannon, combined with Alana Brown's skilled storytelling, make it a must-watch film. It encourages viewers to reflect on humanity's past transgressions and appreciate the resilience of those who have fought and survived hardship. Despite the grim historical context, the film leaves you with a sense of restored faith in humanity and the power of unity in the midst of chaos.