Note to Mr. Ndiaye

Note to Mr. Ndiaye Screening of the Film "Hotel Rwanda" at the United Nations With reference to your note of 22 October 2004, please be advised that diere are no objections to the screening of the above mentioned film at the United Nations. S. rqbal Ris 27 October 2004 Note to Mr. Riza EXECUTIVE OFFICE Request to screen a film in the United Nations OF THE SECRETARY-GENERAL 22 October 2004 I wish to refer tpjhe attached request made byMGM_ and_yjiKed Artists^on 7 October 2004 to~screen their~^^Wo^rRwanda^ for;the"United Nations. As the letter describes, therfiTm is based on a true story oTriow one man, inspired by love of his family, saved the lives of over 1,000 people during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda by sheltering them in the hotel he managed in Kigali. The New York Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights was invited to an advanced showing of the film and would be willing to sponsor the screening. The film's more prominent messages are fully consistent with human rights aspirations. It sKowsTiow'conipassion, moderation, tolerance and ethnic co-existence can and do happen even during terrible events, and how extremity in all its forms pose a dangerous threat to peace. The film reinforces an important message that hate media has no part to play in legitimate expressions of opinion. It also pays tribute to the victims' will to live and is a reminder that the international community must be agile in responding to crises. As the letter indicates, tiiere would be no financial implications for the UN. MGM and United Artists have"prbmised that ffie screening would not be used for advertising or commercial purposes, nor would the UN be used to promote the film. Upon the advice of the EOSG, we spoke today to Mr. Stanislas Kamanzi, Permanent Representative of Rwanda to the UN, and he supports the screening and would'be willing to"c^spoT5sorlfwmTthe OHCHR7 He further indicated his wish that all UN staff and delegations be invited to view the film. OCSS has indicated that a screening would be possible in November. In this regard, I wish tojnform you of this_event and to receive any^observations that you may have. Bacre Waly Ndia> Director, OHCHR/NYO c ' copy: Ms. Arbour Ms. Fisk Mr. Mokhiber OCT-OB-04 OZ:46PM FROM-mgffl/«a publ lelty 310 44fl R«r 3104488857 T-BS4 P.002/ODZ F-B85 Bacre Ndiaye Director, New York Office UN High Commissioner for Human Rights October 1,2004 Dear Mr. Ndiaye., Per Craig Gieiwe's recent conversations with Ms. Dutima BhagwjH .> i. a, we would llfte to submit a formal request on behalf of MGM and United Artists to screen our upcoming film, Hotel Rwanda, for the United Nations. Directed by Terry George, and stai ring Don Cheadle and Sophie Okonedo, the film recently won the top prize at the prestigioi is Toronto International Film Festival, the AGF People's Choice Award. Previous winners hive included such critically acclaimed films as American Beauty, Life is Beautiful, and Whale Rt \ier. Hotel Rwanda is the true story of Paul Rusesabagina, an ordinary m ;n who, inspired by love of his wife and family, became a hero. During the 1994 Rwandan Gsa :>cide, he summoned extraordinary courage to save the lives of over 1,000 people by shel .;ring them in the hotel he managed in Kigali. The film is receiving critical praise from critics journalists, and international organizations. H.E. Rwandan Ambassador Stanislas Kamanzi recently viewed thi: lilm in New York, as did Executive Secretary Raphael Olaniyan of the Afiican Union, and be ;h have expressed their support of it. The film chronicles the world of terror that took placf in 1994, but does honor to victims by focusing on those who survived, overcoming the greater: of odds. It is a powerful, emotional record of the genocide that is grounded in the story of on;: man's inspiring journey. We believe that the film serves an important role in the historical record of the time, and has timely relevance in world and Afiican issues today, including prora uting peace and development in Central Afiica. We are preparing an enthusiastic and wide distii Button campaign to match this belief, and wish to screen for the UN as apart of it. Of course, thun; would be no expected or required financial commitment from the United Nations as apart o: this screening. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesiiat••. to contact me at the information below. .41.1 the best. Adam Keen, * Senior Vice President MGM and United Artists Special Projects 10250 Constellation Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90067 [email protected] 310.449.3343 (o) 310.449.3867 (f).

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