Sound Colour Vibration (Music | Art | Film)

Wow. Where to start on this film. I first found out about this one after viewing the magnificent masterpiece “Johnny Mad-Dog.” I was so taken aback by this debut from Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, I just had to know who his photographer was. So I did a bit of research and found out his DP was Steadicam-extraordinare, Marc Koninckx. My point being, Marc handled the cinematography for this film as well, The Day God Walked Away. That being said, this film has opened my eyes to a story that has been in the news for decades now; the unfortunate Rwandan genocide set in ’94. It shows this global travesty through the eyes of one Rwandan woman, and the week-long journey through the wilderness that she is forced to endure. The lead role (pictured above) is a true Rwandan survivor and singer, Ruth Nirere, who gives one of the most captivating and emotional performances I’ve ever seen from a young woman. This film speaks out on so many levels it’s almost beyond me, a true lesson on history and human nature. While this young beautiful woman is by herself in the beginning of her journey, she comes upon a young wounded Rwandan man.

It’s very incredible to see her decision-making process from here on out, as she decides whether to save this man or not. Just by her actions and body language, I learned more about myself and my capabilities of compassion I never knew existed inside me. I hope that this film becomes available to everyone who reads this article because it’s truly one of the most important ones I’ve seen in some time now. Cheers to the entire cast and crew for making the medium of film into an inspirational and instructive reality for all the living generations of our globe.

~ Pouya G. Asadi