Directed by Robert Favreau , it follows the story of Bernard Valcourt , a documentary filmmaker , and journalist , as he sets off to Kigali to film a documentary about AIDS . He gets caught up in the turmoil of horrific events involving Hutus and Tutsis that tragically leads to genocide . During his stay at the Hôtel des Mille Collines , Valcourt falls in love with a beautiful , shy waitress named Gentille . Gentille serves drinks to the diplomats , officials , and Rwandan bourgeoisie who surround the hotel swimming pool every Sunday . While Valcourt 's longing for Gentille increases , the country moves toward civil war , and the brutal violence of the Rwandan genocide separates them . A few months go by and Bernard returns to Rwanda , frantically seeking Gentille in the midst of the chaos . Most of the narrative unfolds in retrospect
Rwandan genocide
Rwandan genocide
A Sunday in Kigali