In April 1994, years of tension between divided Hutus and Tutsis erupted into violence. A pre-meditated plan for the extermination of Tutsis and Hutu moderates was undertaken over the course of 100 days. As many as 1,000,000 men, women and children were brutally murdered. Many were killed using blunt objects and machetes. Many endured nights of anguish as they watched entire stadiums of people being systematically chopped to death, awaiting their turn, subjugated to rape, or forced to kill their family members before being killed themselves.

The human anguish and torturous, malicious evil of those who carried out the killings is beyond understanding. An equal travesty was the failure of western nations to intervene. In all, humanity's obligation to 'love thy neighbour' failed in every possible way.

Reconciliation & rebuilding after such a slaughter is not a simple or short process. Rwanda is going through a remarkable, though sometimes painful recovery. Up to 90,000 still await trial. Those who have served their terms face reintegrating into communities where the relatives of those they murdered still live. Extremist militias still taunt the Rwandan government from camps inside the DRC. And on top of all this, Rwanda remains one of the poorest nations in Africa.

The road to a better future is not easy, but it is possible. Rwanda stands to be a beacon of hope in East Africa, by good governance, tackling corruption and above all inspiring leaders to take up the challenge.

Beyond rebuilding the tatters of infrastructure, education, health care and economy, a change in the hearts of people has been taking place. People are picking up the pieces, reconciling with each other, and moving on.

Nicholas and Elsie narrowly escaped death at the hands of the Interhamwe militias. Though they vowed never to return, Nicholas & his family returned after he earned his PhD in Scotland. He is now working under a USAID grant to develop a sustainable community-based program in essential oils, a lucrative international market supplying perfume & herbal manufacturers.

Antoine Rutayisere adopted twelve children after the genocide. He doesn't consider himself a hero. He did what needed to be done. And he continues to lead his peers by aiding in peace & reconciliation.

Arthur Karuletwa is a young Rwandan with a passion for coffee. He's opened Kigali's first coffee shop, and is importing premium Rwandan beans to North America.

And more... from the highest office, to the man on the street, hope seethes and bustles through this newly invigorated country.

Rwanda: Hope Rises is a one-hour documentary shot over three years beginning in 2005.

The film follows the story of Nicholas and Elsie Hitimana: their marriage despite being on either sides of the ethnic divide, their narrow escape from the genocide, their forgiveness process with each other, and their journey to help rebuild. Alongside their story we see the aftermath, rebuilding process, challenges, and unique spirituality of Rwanda, all explored through the eyes of Rwandans. And we look to the future - what do Rwandans hope for the future, and how are they getting there?