Cast
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Jowita Budnik
as Anna Keller
Eliane Umuhire
as Claudine Mugambira
Witold Wieliński
as Witek
Ciza Remy Muhirwa
as Jean Paul
Herve Kimenyi Rutaremara
as Sebastian
Didacienne Nibagwire
as Marie-Christine
Anna Ilczuk
as Katarzyna Falska
Aleksander Mikołajczak
as colonel
Jerzy Gudejko
as Jan
Maciej Tomaszewski
as clerk
Wiesław Cichy
as officer
Bolesław Abart
as Horst Keller
Mazimpaka Kennedy
as Bitero
Joel Echallier
as Wolf
Alicja Smotryś
as nun
Crew
Director
- Joanna Kos-Krauze
- Krzysztof Krauze
Writer
- Krzysztof Krauze
- Joanna Kos-Krauze
Producer
- Joanna Kos-Krauze
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Birds Are Singing in Kigali examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Joanna Kos-Krauze brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2017, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Birds Are Singing in Kigali took approximately 28 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.5 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 113 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1408 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 152 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2017, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Birds Are Singing in Kigali shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Birdman of Alcatraz, which focuses more on action than character development, Birds Are Singing in Kigali subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Our Brand Is Crisis and Sweet Mud explore similar territory, Birds Are Singing in Kigali stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 22, 2017
- Runtime: 1h 53m
- Budget: $1,480,000
