SHOOTING DOGS (UK) aka
BEYOND THE GATES (USA)

Year: 2005
USA: IFC Films
UK: Metrodome Distribution
Cast: John Hurt, Hugh Dancy, Claire-Hope Ashley, Dominique Horwitz, Susan Nalwoga, Steve Toussaint, David Gyasi, Nicola Walker
Director: Michael Caton-Jones
Countries: UK / Germany
USA & UK: 115 mins
USA Rated: R for strong violence, disturbing images and language
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong language, violence and genocide theme
UK Release Date: 31 March 2006 (Limited Release - London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Glasgow)
UK DVD Release Date: 31 July 2006

(production company)
UK Distributor

Synopsis

SHOOTING DOGS is an emotionally gripping and authentic recreation of a tragic real life story that took place at L'Ecole Technique Officielle during the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Filmed at the actual location where this story took place, a number of genocide survivors make up the film's cast and crew. This is not just a film about Rwanda. It is a film about humanity, and the questions each one of us must confront, wherever in the world we may be, when evil threatens to steal the very basis of this humanity away from us.
What would you risk to make a difference?

Joe Connor (Hugh Dancy) has come to teach in Rwanda during his 'gap' year because he believes he can make a difference. When the school becomes a haven for thousands of Rwandans fleeing the genocide, Joe promises his brightest pupil, Marie (Clare-Hope Ashitey), that the UN soldiers will protect her from the hordes of extremist militia baying for blood outside the school. But when the UN abandon the refugees, Joe and the school's headmaster, Father Christopher (John Hurt), face an agonising dilemma: should they leave or should they stand firm with the Rwandans. As the UN trucks force their way through the terrified refugees, Joe stares at the tear-stained face of Marie: what should he do?
What would you do?

The school truck carries Joe and two TV journalists through the deserted Kigali streets towards the ETO. They are stopped at a roadblock, which is manned by Interahamwe militia, and the terrifying lawlessness of the genocide becomes apparent.

Based on real events and filmed at the actual location where this story took place, SHOOTING DOGS is an emotionally gripping, authentic and powerful recreation of a tragic real life story that took place during the Rwandan genocide in 1994. A number of Rwandan survivors of the genocide were involved in the making the film as actors and crew members.

The release of SHOOTING DOGS is being supported by 2 Blogs to initiate discussion and awareness of the Rwandan genocide and the devastating effect it has had on the Rwandan people. The film's producer David Belton is also sharing his production diary and thoughts on making a difficult, thought-provoking and important motion picture.