This marks the first time a Rwandan feature film has been incorporated into such a high-level educational platform—a significant milestone for Rwanda in terms of remembering the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, promoting education, culture, and national pride internationally.
GOOD DOCS, based in the United States, is renowned for distributing films that are used in universities, libraries, NGOs, and research institutions across the globe. Being part of GOOD DOCS means the film is recognized as an official educational resource rather than mere entertainment.
Directed by Zion Sulaiman Mukasa Matovu, Beyond the Genocide chronicles the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, while focusing on the resilience of Rwandans in rebuilding their nation, promoting reconciliation, forgiveness, unity, and hope for the future.
This feature film was produced in collaboration with the Kigali Genocide Memorial and Ibuka Rwanda, drawing heavily on Genocide survivor testimonies, insights from contributors, and the involvement of Rwandan youth actively shaping a nation grounded in unity and non-violence.
Inclusion in GOOD DOCS means the film can now be used globally to teach about the Genocide, peacebuilding, human rights, reconciliation, post-conflict governance, and nation-building in higher education and research institutions.
Before joining GOOD DOCS, Beyond the Genocide had already won seven international awards, including three in the United States, one in Italy, two in Brazil, and one in France. Notable accolades include the Impact DOCS Awards (USA)—considered the film’s most prestigious honor to date—and the Award of Merit (Documentary Feature) from the Accolade Global Film Competition in California.
The film also received awards at the Rieti Sabina Film Festival 2025 in Italy, the Tiete International Film Awards in Brazil (Best Editing and Best Sound), and an award in Paris, France.
Despite these achievements, being accepted into GOOD DOCS represents a step beyond awards, providing the film with a lasting role in education and global discourse.
Reflecting on this milestone, Zion Sulaiman Mukasa Matovu told InyaRwanda: "This is not just a victory for a single film. It is Rwanda stepping into the global classroom, not spoken for by others, but speaking through its own art. This is a major step for remembrance, education, and shared humanity."
The inclusion of Beyond the Genocide in GOOD DOCS demonstrates that Rwandan films can reach international audiences, compete in major markets, and earn recognition from world-class institutions.
For Rwanda, this achievement sends a powerful message that history, truth, and national dignity can travel the world through art, integrity, and respect.
As the film embarks on its new journey in universities, libraries, and research institutions worldwide, it will carry the voices of Genocide survivors and reinforce the importance of Rwanda’s story in global discourse.
GOOD DOCS maintains an extensive catalog of internationally recognized educational documentaries, often used in classrooms and research institutions due to their educational value and impact.
Its selection includes films promoting human rights, gender equality, good governance, and social development, such as A Tree of Life – Keep All of Us Safe Campaign, All We Carry, Egypt, A Love Song, Exposure Impact, Vivien’s Wild Ride, American Muslims (series), and A Still Small Voice.
Director Zion Sulaiman Mukasa Matovu Puts Rwandan Cinema on the Global Stage with Beyond the Genocide
WATCH INTERVIEW WITH ZION SULAIMAN MUKASA