Laura Waters Hinson, 29, a 2007 master’s recipient from American University, won best documentary for her film “As We Forgive” at the 35th Annual Student Academy Awards ceremony, from the body that also awards the Oscars. The 53-minute movie, narrated by Mia Farrow, can be viewed at asweforgivemovie.com.
What’s your documentary about?
Could you forgive a person who murdered your family? This is the question faced by the subjects of “As We Forgive,” two Rwandan women coming face to face with the men who slaughtered their families during the 1994 genocide.
How did you get the idea?
I traveled to Rwanda in 2005 with a group from my church on Capitol Hill. I met Anglican Bishop John Rucyahana, one of the most beloved leaders of reconciliation in Rwanda. The Rwandan government was releasing tens of thousands of genocide murderers who had confessed to their crimes while in prison. Due to prison overcrowding and an enormous backlog of court cases, Rwanda could notexact full justice, therefore they turned to a new solution: reconciliation. People were being encouraged by their government and civil society to reconcile and move on. Was this even possible?
What was it like winning the award in Beverly Hills?
When I found out that I’d been nominated for a Student Academy Award, I honestly didn’t have a clue about the implications of such an honor. The greatest moment came when I was approached at one of the parties by Caleb Deschanel, one of the best cinematographers in Hollywood. He told me that he loved my documentary and that he was incredibly moved by the story of reconciliation in Rwanda.
What’s next?
I probably won’t work on another film for the next few months as I finish the outreach component of this film, which I believe has a message for people all over the world. Reconciliation is needed everywhere, and I’m convinced that we can all learn from Rwanda.
