Considered the “Rwandan Schindler,” his wrenching story and that of the genocide is chronicled in the critically acclaimed film, Hotel Rwanda, a riveting account of a man finding courage within himself to save others in the midst of his country’s darkest moment.

When Rwanda descended into madness, Rusesabagina took action. A fastidious, crafty, and yet highly principled businessman, he resorted to desperate tactics. While militants threatened and surrounded the well-groomed grounds of the hotel, he spent hours on the phone, pleading with influential leaders, his international connections his only defense against attack. He bartered luxury items such as money, gold, cigars, and aged bottles of wine he hoarded in his hotel, for the lives of strangers seeking refuge in the chaos. Miraculously, no one who housed at his hotel died.

As the world turned its back on the horrific tragedy, Rusesabagina was one man who saved few among the many lost. Now, through emotionally stirring words, he shares his story first-hand, in hopes that future events of this type can be prevented. “I hope this will be a wake-up call, not only for Rwanda but the whole international community,” he said.