. It was adapted from a screenplay written by both George and Keir Pearson
. Based on real life events which took place in Rwanda
during the spring of 1994, the film stars Don Cheadle
as hotelier Paul Rusesabagina
, who attempts to rescue his fellow citizens from the ravages of the Rwandan Genocide
. Veteran actors Joaquin Phoenix
, Nick Nolte
and Jean Reno
also star in principal roles. The film, which has been called an African Schindler's List
, documents Rusesabagina's acts to save the lives of his family and more than a thousand other refugees, by granting them shelter in the besieged Hôtel des Mille Collines
.
The United Nations are here now. The world press are watching. The peace has been signed. Let this process work.
Tatiana, all day I work to please this officer, diplomat, or some other guests to store up favors so if there is a time we need help I have powerful people I can call upon.
These days, I have not time for rallies or politics.
There will be no rescue, no intervention force. We can only save ourselves. Many of you know influential people abroad, you must call these people. You must tell them what will happen to us... say goodbye. But when you say goodbye, say it as though you are reaching through the phone and holding their hand. Let them know that if they let go of that hand, you will die. We must shame them into sending help.
We're here as peace keepers, not peace makers.
Politics is power Paul, Hutu power.
Jack: [walking towards the bus carrying all the whites who are leaving Rwanda while the blacks are left behind] Oh, God, I'm so ashamed!