1994
Paul Rusesabagina, a Hutu hotel manager, uses his influence and bribes to protect his family and over a thousand Tutsi and moderate Hutu refugees in his hotel as the Rwandan genocide erupts. Abandoned by the UN and foreign powers, Paul relies on his cunning, repeatedly bribing General Bizimungu and leveraging international connections to shield the hotel from escalating violence. Despite witnessing horrific massacres and narrowly escaping ambushes, Paul continues to secure supplies and protect the refugees within the hotel's walls. Ultimately, Paul coerces General Bizimungu into providing safe passage for the remaining survivors to a refugee camp, where he is reunited with his nieces.
Save the Cat beat sheet
Paul Rusesabagina, a hotel manager in Kigali, navigates growing tensions as violence erupts around him.
Open full beat sheetPaul Rusesabagina is listed as House Manager. Late 30's, Hutu, meticulous, resourceful, always wears a sharp suit. In the parsed data, Paul Rusesabagina is connected to 94 scenes, 111 dialogue lines, 112 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
94 scenes / 111 dialogue linesTatiana Rusesabagina is listed as Paul's Wife. Tutsi, woman of great natural beauty. In the parsed data, Tatiana Rusesabagina is connected to 32 scenes, 20 dialogue lines, 20 text mentions, first appearing around scene 16.
32 scenes / 20 dialogue linesZozo is listed as Porter/Driver. Early thirties, Tutsi, nervous. In the parsed data, Zozo is connected to 21 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 8 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
21 scenes / 5 dialogue linesGregoire is listed as Hotel Receptionist. Early thirties, Hutu, antagonistic toward Paul. In the parsed data, Gregoire is connected to 19 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 36.
19 scenes / 2 dialogue linesColonel Oliver is listed as UN Peacekeeper. Middle aged, Canadian, wears blue beret. In the parsed data, Colonel Oliver is connected to 14 scenes, 16 dialogue lines, 17 text mentions, first appearing around scene 37.
14 scenes / 16 dialogue linesGeneral Bizimungu is listed as Hutu Army General. 40's, strong figure, relaxed, in control. In the parsed data, General Bizimungu is connected to 12 scenes, 30 dialogue lines, 32 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.
12 scenes / 30 dialogue linesRoger is listed as Paul's Son. 12 years old. In the parsed data, Roger is connected to 12 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 72.
12 scenes / 5 dialogue linesOdette is listed as Family Doctor/Friend. Tutsi. In the parsed data, Odette is connected to 12 scenes, 5 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 23.
12 scenes / 5 dialogue linesJock Daglish is listed as BBC Cameraman. Tough, experienced, Scottish. In the parsed data, Jock Daglish is connected to 7 scenes, 3 dialogue lines, 3 text mentions, first appearing around scene 49.
7 scenes / 3 dialogue linesBenedict is listed as Reporter. Tutsi, works for local independent newspaper. In the parsed data, Benedict is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 79.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesThomas is listed as Paul's Brother-in-law. Tutsi. In the parsed data, Thomas is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 14.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesGeorge Rutagunda is listed as Interahamwe Leader. Late 30's, huge, wears gold chains and Rolex, acts like an African Mafia boss. In the parsed data, George Rutagunda is connected to 4 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 4 text mentions, first appearing around scene 4.
4 scenes / 4 dialogue linesGloria Fleming is listed as BBC Reporter/Producer. Young, chic. In the parsed data, Gloria Fleming is connected to 4 scenes, first appearing around scene 17.
4 scenes / 0 dialogue linesBik is listed as Belgian Hotel Manager. Mid 40's. In the parsed data, Bik is connected to 3 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 12.
3 scenes / 2 dialogue linesFedens is listed as Paul's Sister-in-law. Tutsi. In the parsed data, Fedens is connected to 3 scenes, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 13.
3 scenes / 0 dialogue linesPaul Rusesabagina navigates a checkpoint at the airport by bribing a policeman.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul waits for a flight and instructs Zozo to go to Rutaganda's place for beer.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul and Zozo encounter the Interahamwe militia while driving.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, George RutagundaPaul visits George Rutaganda to secure beer and witnesses a crate of machetes.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, George RutagundaPaul and Zozo pick up a shipment of lobsters.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul and Zozo drive through a parade of Interahamwe militia.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, George RutagundaPaul arrives at the Hotel Mille Collines.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul enters the lobby with the lobster crate and encounters Bik.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, Gregoire, BikPaul and the kitchen staff process the lobsters.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul hosts a reception for dignitaries.
Paul Rusesabagina, General Bizimungu, Colonel OliverPaul deals with American tourists whose trip was cancelled.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul confronts Gregoire for bullying Zozo.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, Gregoire, BikPaul returns home to his family.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Roger, Odette, Thomas, FedensPaul and his family host Thomas and Fedens for dinner; they discuss rumors of violence in Rwanda.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Thomas, FedensPaul and Tatiana say goodbye to guests; Roger warns them of soldiers on the street.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Roger, Thomas, FedensPaul and Tatiana argue about Paul's refusal to use his influence to help their neighbor Victor.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaPaul manages hotel operations, dealing with BBC reporters and General Bizimungu.
Paul Rusesabagina, General Bizimungu, Gregoire, Gloria Fleming, Jock DaglishPaul discovers his house is filled with neighbors seeking refuge after the president is murdered.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, OdettePaul and Tatiana hide from attackers in their garden.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaRoger crawls through the yard and witnesses a horror.
RogerPaul searches for Roger in the garden.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaPaul finds Roger in the bushes.
Paul Rusesabagina, RogerPaul and Tatiana discover Roger is covered in blood but uninjured.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Roger, OdetteViolence erupts in the city at dawn.
Paul prepares to send the neighbors away.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, RogerPaul and the neighbors hear news of the president's death.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul negotiates with the Captain to save his family.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, General BizimunguPaul and his family flee toward the hotel.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, RogerPaul arrives at the Hotel Diplomat to open the safe.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul opens the safe and steals money.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul negotiates for the lives of his family and neighbors.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, OdettePaul arrives at the Mille Collines.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul takes charge of the hotel.
Paul Rusesabagina, BikPaul settles his family into a room.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaPaul confronts Gregoire.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul confronts Gregoire in a room, demanding he return to work, but Gregoire refuses and makes veiled threats.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul meets Colonel Oliver who brings the Minister of Finance to the hotel. Paul also deals with a group of refugees.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, ZozoPaul observes Colonel Oliver giving an interview to the BBC.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Gloria FlemingPaul finds the kitchen staff listening to hateful radio broadcasts and orders them back to work.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul calls the Sabena President to ensure the hotel remains open.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul asserts his authority to the hotel staff.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoA wounded journalist arrives at the hotel, sparking panic.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, Odette, Benedict, Jock DaglishMilitia taunt UN soldiers at the gate; Colonel Oliver arrives.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Jock DaglishGloria broadcasts a report while Jock captures footage of a massacre.
Paul Rusesabagina, Gloria Fleming, Jock DaglishPaul receives news about his nieces from Mr. Garindi.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaColonel Oliver reveals to Paul that the foreign forces are only evacuating white people.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel OliverPaul informs Tatiana that they have been abandoned.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaThe evacuation of white foreigners takes place in the rain.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Jock DaglishJock and Gloria prepare to leave on a bus; Jock gives Paul his money, Visa cards, and a Rolex to help the refugees.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Gloria Fleming, Jock DaglishFrench soldiers forcibly remove nuns and refugees from the hotel area to board the bus.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Jock DaglishPaul organizes the remaining refugees in the ballroom and orders food for them.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoTatiana urges Paul to leave with the family, but he refuses. An army lieutenant arrives and orders everyone out.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, RogerPaul makes frantic calls to save the hotel guests, eventually reaching the Sabena president.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul stalls the lieutenant by providing a fake guest list and offering beer.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul meets General Bizimungu, bribes him with scotch, and tricks him into believing the Americans are watching via satellite.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, General Bizimungu, GregoirePaul faces accusations from refugees about his business dealings with the Interahamwe and the General, but defends his actions as necessary for their survival.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, General Bizimungu, Gregoire, Odette, ThomasPaul and Tatiana discuss the day's events and Paul's plan to get supplies from Rutagunda.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Gregoire, RogerPaul instructs Gregoire to prepare for a trip to see Rutagunda.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul and Gregoire depart the hotel in a van.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul and Gregoire encounter a barricade on the road.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul and Gregoire arrive at the warehouse and meet Rutagunda.
Paul Rusesabagina, George Rutagunda, GregoirePaul and Gregoire accidentally drive over a road covered in dead bodies.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul watches the children play and helps a boy with a thorn.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul and Tatiana share a moment of intimacy and discuss their past.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana RusesabaginaColonel Oliver arrives to announce the evacuation plan.
Paul Rusesabagina, Colonel OliverColonel Oliver reads the list of families selected for evacuation.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Colonel Oliver, Odette, ThomasPaul tries to arrange for the rescue of his brother-in-law's children.
Paul RusesabaginaPaul promises his friends he will get them out.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Zozo, Odette, ThomasThe evacuation begins, and Paul is torn about leaving.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Zozo, Colonel Oliver, Gregoire, BenedictPaul forces Tatiana onto a truck to escape, but decides to stay behind to wait for his twins.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, BenedictPaul stays behind while Tatiana and Benedict are on the truck.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, BenedictThe truck departs; Paul watches it leave and notices Gregoire making a phone call.
Paul Rusesabagina, Zozo, GregoirePaul collapses in his room, then is alerted by Zozo.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul learns from the radio that the refugees are being targeted due to a tip-off.
Paul Rusesabagina, ZozoPaul confronts Gregoire, who flees.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul chases Gregoire but loses him at the fence.
Paul Rusesabagina, GregoirePaul begs General Bizimungu for help as the convoy is ambushed.
Paul Rusesabagina, General BizimunguThe convoy returns to the hotel, battered and bruised.
Paul Rusesabagina, Tatiana Rusesabagina, Roger, OdettePaul and others watch CNN; Benedict mocks the international response.
Paul Rusesabagina, Odette, BenedictGeneral Bizimungu demands supplies from Paul.
Paul Rusesabagina, General BizimunguI confess. It's true I have a deal with General Bizimungu. He was just here. I worked out another money making scheme for him. New arrivals will be taxed at the gate.
Rwandan francs! They are only good now for wiping your ass. There is nothing more I can do for you people. No police. No protection. You're on your own.
We must become mountain gorillas. Then they can put us on the endangered species list. Come on, try it. They think we're halfway there already.
I think so. They are in disarray now. The rebels are winning, and the Hutu high command are anxious to get some of their men back.
They should go one truck at a time. When the first truck gets through to the airport, then the others will follow.
Our children cannot see us die first. If the Militia comes, you must hurry up to the roof. I will meet you there.
Your card says Hutu. Take our children, go and get the twins, pay money at the roadblocks. Get them out. Please.
The UN has been notified that the following families have received travel visas from the following countries.
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