by Lagan Sebert
AFI FEST Daily News

J.B. Rutagarama directed BACK HOME, in International Documentary Competition at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi.

WITH THE RECENT SURGE in the number and success of political documentaries, it is not surprising to see so many at AFI FEST 2006 presented by Audi. But what becomes of these efforts? FAHRENHEIT 9/11 broke records at the box office and sparked worldwide debate, but did it have an effect on current politics?

For this five-part AFI FEST Daily News series, filmmakers were asked:

"Do documentary films have the ability to significantly affect the social and political environment. And, should they?"

PART 3 of 5: J.B. Rutagarama

J.B. Rutagarama directed BACK HOME, the first film about the Rwanda genocide made by an actual survivor.

It's the true story of Rutagarama, who was adopted by reporters as he fled the killings, and given a new life. He films his return to his homeland to confront what happened.

"Documentary films do affect our social and political environment.

"First, by touching viewers emotionally. Second, by raising their awareness about an issue.

"This can lead to action on a grass roots level, like volunteering for a cause related to the movie.

"And if the documentary is a hit - reaching a wide audience - this can even lead to action by lawmakers and others with political power.

"My goal with BACK HOME is to do just that.

"Although on one level it is simply my personal story of surviving Rwanda's genocide and seeking healing, it is also metaphor for what all genocide victims go through.

"If audiences are touched by it, perhaps they will decide to do something on an individual basis, like donating to a Rwandan charity or supporting a Darfur aid organization.

"And hopefully it will persuade them that we as a global community must not stand idly by while atrocities are being committed.

"Am I dreaming? Maybe. Will BACK HOME prevent the next genocide? Maybe not. But if enough people see it, perhaps it will convince politicians to intervene in the next crisis before it is too late."

- J.B. Rutagarama, Director, BACK HOME (October 2006)

• Part 1: MOTHERLAND AFGHANISTAN director Sedika Mojadidi (November 3)
• Part 2: SCREAMERS director Carla Garapedian (November 3)
• Part 3: BACK HOME director J.B. Rutagarama (November 4)
• Part 4: A CRUDE AWAKENING - THE OILCRASH co-director Ray McCormack (November 5)
• Part 5: NO SWEAT director Amie Williams (November 7)

Scene from BACK HOME, directed by J.B. Rutagarama