The Diary of Immaculee (2006)

Immaculée Ilibagiza grew up in a country she loved, surrounded by a family she cherished. But in 1994 her idyllic world was ripped apart as Rwanda descended into a bloody genocide. Her family was brutally murdered during a killing spree that lasted three months and claimed the lives of nearly a million Rwandans. Miraculously, Immaculée survived the slaughter. For 91 days, she and seven other women huddled silently together in the cramped bathroom of a local pastor's home while hundreds of machete-wielding killers hunted for them. . . . Now, the award-winning and three-time Academy Award®-nominated documentary film producer Steve Kalafer (More, Curtain Call, Bottom of the Ninth, Price of Freedom, Going Home, and Sister Rose's Passion) brings together the same creative and production team for their most challenging and powerful cinematic journey. The Diary of Immaculée reveals the horrific, yet inspiring story of a remarkable woman's experiences in the midst of one of history's most tragic events. Immaculée Ilibagiza, and others who were there, will tell you what happened . . . and you shall never forget it. With powerful and emotional on-camera appearances from the good Samaritans who kept Immaculée alive in Rwanda, to inspirational personalities such as Dr. Wayne W. Dyer and Carl Wilkens, this amazing story of a journey through the darkness of holocaust will touch your heart and soul. This is a documentary that will take you to a place where horror and hope and hatred and love lived side by side, clasping hands and breathing the same air. With unwavering faith and courage, one young woman faced the threat of unspeakable acts; endured incomparable despair; and quietly, graciously, and bravely came through the living hell of holocaust searching for safety, peace, and an everlasting Heaven. The Diary of Immaculée is a film that abounds with drama and compassion . . . and makes us all realize that heroes and heroines will always walk among us.

Must watch DVD

Short and sweet, this DVD is well worth watching.
Immaculee give a human face as a suvivor of one of the worst tragedies in human history since the Nazi's impurged the Holocaust on the Jews.
Most of us at the time only saw images of machetes and bodies everywhere, and hence could not fully understand the impact on real people in Africa, who were butchered purely for being from a "different ethnic tribe".
Could have been a little longer however, and more reference made to the book that she wrote as well.
DJM May 9, 2008

Nice to accompany book

Our bookclub read "Left to Tell", which was a wonderful book and resulted in lively discussion. The DVD "Imaculee's Diary" was perfect for after book discussion to actually see the place where she was kept and see some of the individuals referenced in the book. I would definately recommend getting both. Was pretty graphic at times with historical footage, and a little sad at times. April 5, 2008

Lived to Tell, Documentary of Emmaculee Ilibagiza

An incredible story of faith and survival. A must read for everyone. We keep saying never again to genocide and still these things happen. We must say the same to war, especially Bush's war of invasion on Iraq. December 26, 2007

A Labor of Love

The DVD gives an introduction to our own darkness and blindness, as it reflects on the atrocities of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, seen through the eyes of the 19 yr old survivor. The DVD's 'brief' overview (38 min)allows viewers to get a 'taste' of not only the brutal history, but also the conversion from death to life, both physically and spiritually, in a way that does not overwhelm the viewer. The DVD really points out the intrinsic beauty of Rwanda in the midst of its ugly reality. I recommend this DVD followed by either the "Left To Tell" book or audiobook, by the same author. July 24, 2007

The Diary of Immaculee

I read the book Left to Tell (which was tremendous), and ordered this video right away when I saw that it was available. It is excellent also, both as a companion piece to the book or on its own. Immaculee's story is emotional and wrenching as it portrays an unbelievable tragedy. Everyone should see it so they'd feel compelled to help others who are now suffering and dying in Darfur. June 9, 2007

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