Hotel Rwanda 2004

In the midst of a nation beset by ethnic tensions and rampant corruption, Paul Rusesabagina (Don Cheadle), a Hutu hotel manager, finds himself torn between his loyalty to his own people and his love for his wife, Tatiana (Sophie Okonedo), who is Tutsi. As the political landscape deteriorates, Paul’s marriage becomes a focal point of contention with extremist Hutus, particularly George Rutaganda, a supplier to the hotel and local leader of Interahamwe, a ruthless militia that targets Tutsis.

As chaos erupts in the streets, Paul must navigate a treacherous web of influence and bribery to protect his family and maintain the illusion of a functioning high-class hotel, Sabena Hôtel des Mille Collines. With neighbors being forcibly removed from their homes and brutalized in plain sight, Paul’s desperate measures barely ensure the safety of those around him.

As the United Nations camp, Red Cross, and orphanages become overwhelmed with refugees, Paul’s hotel becomes a sanctuary for the displaced. He must divert Hutu soldiers, care for the influx of people, provide emotional support to his family, and maintain the façade of a luxurious hotel as violence escalates outside its gates.

Meanwhile, the UN Peacekeeping forces, led by Colonel Oliver (Nick Nolte), are hamstrung by their inability to intervene in the genocide, leaving Rwandans vulnerable. The evacuation of foreign nationals only serves to exacerbate the crisis, as those left behind face unimaginable terrors.

In a last-ditch effort to save his family and the hotel’s refugees, Paul turns to blackmail, threatening Rwandan Army General Augustin Bizimungu (Fana Mokoena) with prosecution as a war criminal. This desperate ploy ultimately yields results, allowing the convoy to leave the besieged hotel and journey through retreating masses of refugees and militia to reach safety behind Tutsi rebel lines.