Coexist
“I'm kneeling down to ask for forgiveness because some people said on the radio that they would never kneel down before the Tutsi. But it's not the Tutsi that we are kneeling before, we are kneeling before all Rwandans so that we can be one people.” —Jean, confessed killer
Synopsis
How do societies ravaged by genocide begin to heal? Can a person be forced to reconcile with those who killed her or his loved ones? In Coexist, Rwanda’s unprecedented social experiment in government-mandated reconciliation is revealed for the first time through the eyes of a diverse range of survivors: victims, perpetrators, and those who bore witness to the 1994 genocide. What they share is breathtaking, heartbreaking, and inspired.
Coexist Trailer
How can I watch Coexist?
We offer a number of different ways to view our films so you can choose the option that suits your needs best:
“Coexist’s real strength resides in the powerful testimonies of both victims and perpetrators of genocide. Through these various Rwandan voices, students gain insight into the lived experiences and haunting memories of the genocide, and the ways in which those myriad experiences continue to shape and complicate political healing and rehumanizing initiatives.”
“The film and teacher’s guide are a marvelous, creative effort at promoting reflection about peace and conflict.”
Meet the Coexist filmmaking team
Director: Adam Mazo
Producers: Adam Mazo, Robert Koenig, Suzanne Summerlin Tzuanos
Music: Adam Payne
Director of Photography: Scott Ippolito
Editor: Adam Mazo
Learning Director: Mishy Lesser, Ed.D.
Reflect more deeply on Coexist
The Coexist Teacher's Guide contains four lessons that are organized in two parts:
Colonialism, Genocide, and Rwanda's Path to Healing
Coexist for Social-Emotional Learning
A scene-by-scene synopsis helps teachers examine specific topics and themes, including Rwandan history, forced reconciliation, personal healing, forgiveness, betrayal, and genuine reconciliation. A historical overview, timeline, and extensive resources section give teachers a variety of materials for introducing their students to pre- and post-genocide Rwanda.