Act of Kindness

Act of Kindness follows the search for one very helpful man, in a country of 11 million people. In 1999 Kiwi Sven Pannell arrived penniless in Rwanda, after bribing himself out of a worrying encounter with rebel militia in Burundi. He was saved by a street beggar who spoke perfect English. Eight years later Pannell got the chance to return to Rwanda with camera in hand, and say thanks — if only he can track his saviour down. Directed by Pannell and Costa Botes (Forgotten Silver), the documentary is a portrait of compassion, obsession, and a nation recovering from tragedy.

...I think people are going to like it if early indications are any clue. The pleasure of the audience is proportional to the suffering of the artist, and we’ve gone through plenty on this one.

– Costa Botes

Key Cast & Crew

Costa Botes

Co-Director, Editor

Matt Stutter

Sound Mix, Sound Design

Sven Pannell

Co-Director, Camera, Subject

Fabrice Kirwa

Camera, Subject

Olive Musique

Composer

Tom McLeod

Composer