THE CHOICES

WE MAKE

HOW DOES ONE MOVE ON AFTER LIVING THROUGH A GENOCIDE?

When the Hutu extremists set out to massacre the Tutsi population of Rwanda in 1994, Carl Wilkens was one of two Americans who chose to stay in Rwanda.

But what happens after a genocide that’s killed over 1 million people? How does one heal from that?

This short documentary film isn’t about the genocide itself, but will dive deeper into what it means to let go of hurt and find forgiveness and healing— if that’s even possible.

CURRENT STATUS:
Grant applications

The film is about 85% complete. Currently applying for various grants to receive funding to film in Rwanda.
While the original plan was to use archival footage and film everything else in Spokane, during the edit I realized the story would greatly benefit from having B-roll and interviews shot in Rwanda.

The film features:

  • Interviews with Carl (present-day and a few from ~20 years ago)

  • Archival footage, including vlogs Carl shot during the genocide

  • B-roll in Spokane of his life at home

Why filming in Rwanda is essential to completing the film:

  • B-roll in present-day Rwanda will show how they are doing today and will be contrasted with the archival footage during the genocide. This would help the audience truly appreciate and understand what they’ve had to overcome.

  • Film at the places Carl talks about in the interview and pair it with the archival footage from his vlogs. These places include his home in Rwanda, the orphanage he helped save from being massacred, the prison he brings students and teachers to to learn about Rwanda’s history, etc.

  • B-roll of Carl with one of the killing-squad leaders, and maybe an interview

I want the film to feel like we’re all healing with Carl, not just hearing about his experience.
The additional footage we shoot in Rwanda will help achieve that.

Funds needed: $10,000

This will cover flights and accommodation for the crew
as well as marketing and distribution costs.

Your support matters.

Carl Wilkens’ story has already inspired so many people around the world. While he does have a book and another documentary talking about his experience living through the genocide, this short documentary continues the story. It will remind people that one’s story doesn’t end at a news headline. Rwanda is more than the genocide and it continues to be a beautiful country full of hope and opportunity today.

By supporting this film, you will be taking part in helping to show people that healing and forgiveness is possible even under the worst circumstances.

A young woman with long dark hair standing in front of a waterfall with ice formations on rocks and some snow.

About the filmmaker

Evelin Cardenas has been a documentary filmmaker for about 5 years. She is currently based in Seattle, WA and has a passion for the outdoors, adventure, and connection. When she came across Carl’s story, it really spoke to her and she knew many others would appreciate hearing from him as well.

“A few years ago, I worked at a boarding school in Bolivia where the majority of the kids had come from families who’ve severely abused or neglected them. The older ones struggled to forgive and move on, while the younger ones held onto the hope that their parents would come back to love them. While I did my best to show them the love they craved, I could never fill the hole left by their parents.

That’s where forgiveness comes in. Sometimes it’s given though the person doesn’t deserve it, but it’s the only way one can move on. I can never imagine the pain the Tutsi people or the children at the Bolivian school went through and continue to deal with, but maybe the stories from those who’ve healed through some of the worst things imaginable can comfort and inspire others all over the world.”