Hotel Rwanda- Hope

To the people seeking refuge in his hotel, Paul Rusesabagina is a constant symbol of hope. He saves them from multiple dangerous situation and makes sure to protect his guests and family as best he can. That is why I chose to associate him with the word "Hope" in this project. The hands reaching towards him are all those he brings comfort and safety to.

Radio Theme: The Spark

In the beginning of Hotel Rwanda, a signal was given to all Hutus to begin killing the Tutsi. This signal was given over the radio. Tensions between the Hutu and Tutsi had been high for a long time. In a sense, the explosives were set, and all that was necessary to set them off was a spark. The radio provided this spark. This cartoon depicts a personified radio lighting a fuse in order to set off the Rwandan Genocide.

Radio Theme: Cockroaches

The most common words that could be heard coming from the radio in Hotel Rwanda were, "Crush the cockroaches." "Cockroaches" was a demeaning name given to the Tutsis by the Hutu. The radio constantly blasted anti-Tutsi propaganda such as this to encourage the Hutu to destroy their Tutsi neighbors. This cartoon personifies a radio, as if the radio itself is striking at the cockroaches.

Radio Theme: Hutu Rally

Though not obvious, Hutu Power Radio played significant roles in parades and rallies such as this one. In the first scene of Hotel Rwanda, a rally almost identical to the one above was held by the Hutu. In the background, the radio could be heard, egging them on. In order to express the subtle role of radio in the Hutu uprising, I inserted a small radio tower in the back of the picture.

Radio Theme: Hutu Weapons

Machetes and Ak-47's are typically described as the main weapons of the Hutu. However, one of their most effective weapons against the Tutsi is often not recognized. This weapon, the radio, is hidden above. It is hidden to show its discreet yet terrible role in the genocide.

Radio Theme: Hutu Power Radio

This piece introduces the theme for my next four projects. Hutu Power Radio plays an important role in the movie Hotel Rwanda. It gives the Hutus the knowledge and organization they need to find and destroy the Tutsis.

Hotel Rwanda Movie Poster

This is a poster designed around the movie Hotel Rwanda. The different colors signify the Rwandan flag, and the images beneath signify the violence that plagues the country. Paul Rusesabagina (played by Don Cheadle) stands in the center. The hands reaching towards him symbolize all the people he strives to help, and the sun symbolizes the hope that he gives to them.