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| Jean Paul Samputu headlines Toronto film screening |
| Written by Richard Taylor |
| Tuesday, 19 May 2009 00:00 |
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I knew we were in for a special evening when the voice of award winning Rwandan artist Jean Paul Samputu filled every corner of the Bloor Cinema with a stirring acapella rendition of his song, “No More Genocide”.
His message about the need for forgiveness and the importance of the future generation in Rwanda’s healing process were a perfect introduction to the first Toronto screening of Rwanda: Hope Rises, a documentary film by Director Trevor Meier. The event provided a platform for Wellspring to highlight its work and talk about the great opportunity that exists in Rwanda today. It was wonderful to see a large number of Rwandans in attendance and to have a chance to sit down with several of them afterwards to talk about where they are at in the healing process. They were clearly touched by the story of Nicholas and Elsie Hitimana as they experienced deep loss, learned about the importance of repentance and forgiveness, and found restoration and healing. Special thanks to: • Michael Wipf (Five Foot Six Productions) for booking the Bloor Cinema and organizing the event. • Jean Paul Samputu (www.mizerochildren.com) for taking time from a busy schedule to participate in this special event and for contributing his music to the film. • Mark Peterson (www.bridgewayfoundation.ca) and the Bridgeway Foundation for believing in this project and providing financial support. • George McEachern, Denise Lodde, and the good people of 100 Huntley Street (www.100huntley.com ) for their help in getting the word out about the film. • Ryan Shantz and his buddy Dave for working the box office window. • Shauna Gilbert and Leo Kabalisa (Hope for Rwanda Children’s Fund) for getting the word out to the Rwandan community. |
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