Shooting Dogs , A Movie Based On Rwandan Genocide

BBC Films and UK Film Council presents Shooting Dogs, a true story based on the 1994 genocide that happened in Rwanda, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, written by David Wolstencroft, and co-written by BBC journalist David Belton, who was working in Rwanda at the time.

At a Kigali school in Rwanda, Joe Connor (Hugh Dancy), an enthusiastic young British man, teaches students alongside Father Christopher (John Hurt), the head of the school.

Following the death of the president of Rwanda, a Hutu, tension between Tutsis and Hutus escalated into genocide. Soon the school becomes a haven for Europeans and Tutsis.

Later on Joe and Father Christopher face faith challenging moments, with an open choice to either evacuate safely with the Europeans, or to stay with the Rwandans who were abandoned to their fate. Meanwhile, Marie (Claire Hope Ashitey), a beloved student of the school, constantly challenges the extent of love and sacrifice of Joe and Father Christopher.

Between May and July, about 800,000 Rwandan Tutsis were massacred by their fellow Hutu countrymen. Although the UN was there, there was no action to stop this unimaginable barbarity from happening.

Many of the Rwandan cast and crew were survivors of the genocide. In addition to preserving the realness of the story, film-makers used the actual locations and hand-held cameras for the movie.

Shooting Dogs will premiere on the 31st of March, 2006.

Please join the discussion:
Shooting Dogs Blogspot
Rwandan Survivors Blogspot
News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.