Minding Shadows (2026)

Meet Oliver, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide, which took the lives of over 800,000 people in only 3 months. Torn from his family, he endured unspeakable horrors. Consumed by a thirst for vengeance, he sought solace in martial arts. A shocking turn of events leads Oliver to discover a path of peace and self-understanding. This documentary recounts Oliver's imprisonment in Rwanda and escape to Uganda, taking Buddhist monastic vows in Sri Lanka, and ultimately finding refuge in Europe. Minding Shadows follows Oliver's extraordinary journey, from the depths of despair in Rwanda to his transformation into a world-class teacher about mindfulness, forgiveness, and self-acceptance. Oliver learned to channel the impacts of these unthinkable tragedies through meditative practices and martial arts, eventually leading to an ordination in Sri Lanka. Now as a monk using the name Venerable Sangharakkhita, he continues to advocate for forgiveness, self-awareness, and the transformative power of compassion in healing. This project goes beyond storytelling. It challenges the viewer to confront difficult questions: How do we forgive those who have hurt us deeply? How do we find our way when we feel lost, as Oliver did?