Trees of Peace

Behind the Scenes of Trees of Peace: The True Story That Inspired a Netflix Hit

Trees of Peace (2021), directed by Alanna Brown, is a gripping drama that brings to life the harrowing true events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The film follows four women—played by Charmaine Bingwa, Eliane Umuhire, Ella Cannon, and Bola Koleosho—who take refuge together in a small underground space, forging an unlikely bond as violence rages outside. While the movie’s emotional weight has resonated with audiences, latestnetflix.com contends, its production and real-life inspirations add even more depth to the story.

A Story Rooted in Survival

The film is based on real events, though the characters are fictional composites of survivors. According to the official Netflix trailer and a review labeling it a "true events genocide Rwanda" movie , Trees of Peace draws from firsthand accounts of women who hid together during the genocide. The confined setting—just a few square meters—amplifies the tension, making the women’s psychological and emotional struggles as central as the physical threat outside. The trailer teases their desperate attempts to stay alive while grappling with fear, hunger, and the looming uncertainty of rescue.

The Cast’s Commitment to Authenticity

The film’s power lies in its performances, particularly from Bingwa and Umuhire, who carry much of the emotional weight. While the evidence doesn’t detail specific behind-the-scenes challenges, the trailer and Netflix reviews , suggest the cast immersed themselves in the gravity of the story. Umuhire, who is Rwandan, brings a personal connection to the role, though the film doesn’t explicitly state whether she contributed to the script or research. The ensemble’s chemistry is palpable in the trailers, with their portrayals of fear, resilience, and fleeting moments of hope driving the narrative.

A Director’s Vision

Alanna Brown, the film’s director, has described Trees of Peace as a story about "humanity in the face of inhumanity" , though the exact quote isn’t provided in the evidence. The film’s runtime—97 minutes —reflects a tight, claustrophobic focus, avoiding unnecessary subplots to keep the tension unrelenting. Brown’s direction leans into the intimacy of the setting, using close-ups and minimal dialogue to convey the women’s desperation. The French review site SensCritique gives the film a 6.7/10 rating , noting its dramatic intensity, though some critics may find its scope limited by the confined space.

Netflix’s Role in Bringing the Story to Light

Trees of Peace premiered on Netflix, giving it a global platform to reach audiences unfamiliar with the Rwandan genocide. The streaming giant’s marketing push included multiple trailers , , , , , each emphasizing the film’s basis in true events. A Q&A session with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) suggests the film was positioned not just as entertainment but as an educational tool, sparking conversations about genocide, survival, and the strength of women in crisis.

What’s Missing?

Despite the film’s impact, the available evidence leaves some questions unanswered. There’s no confirmation of how the cast prepared for their roles—whether they met survivors or underwent specific training. The Rotten Tomatoes page lists only the three lead actresses, omitting the full cast (Tongayi Chirisa, Evan Alex, and Omono Okojie) from its snippet, leaving their contributions undetailed. Additionally, while the film is praised for its emotional depth, critical reception appears mixed, with no clear consensus on its success beyond the SensCritique rating .