Trees of Peace

In the closing moments of “Trees of Peace,” the women, after enduring 81 days of confinement, finally see a glimmer of salvation. When they push together to open the locked hatch, their combined strength symbolizes hope and unity born out of shared suffering. Just as they are about to be rescued, they hear approaching vehicles, initially fearing the worst, but it is in fact the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) arriving with aid, including Francois, who had been away. Francois’s presence signifies that help has arrived, and their ordeal is coming to an end. The women are finally freed from their captivity, emerging into the sunlight, which metaphorically represents a new beginning and liberation from their trauma. The film concludes with a powerful message: that in the aftermath of such brutality, women played a pivotal role in leading Rwanda’s healing process. Their resilience, forgiveness, and strength helped rebuild a fractured nation. The story underscores how these women’s unity, empathy, and hope allowed them to endure unimaginable horror and emerge with a renewed sense of peace and purpose. The title, “Trees of Peace,” symbolizes growth and healing from trauma, reflecting how these women—and consequently, the country—began to recover and flourish after enduring the darkness of genocide. It’s a testament to the transformative power of hope, connection, and forgiveness.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44