Child of Genocide

GENRE:  Drama.  Musical Drama.

SUMMARY: Laura Ward, daughter of a gospel star, forgoes a career in music due to the dark circumstances of her mother’s suicide.  She becomes a doctor, and during her residency, Laura and boyfriend Rick have trouble conceiving a child which leads to a break up.

Laura seeks a change and accepts an assignment in Rwanda, where she treats Corene Magambo, a ten year-old whose wrist is nearly severed in a machete attack that kills both her parents.  Corene, a gifted gospel singer in her local church, bonds quickly with Laura, who offers to adopt her.

But bureaucracy, corruption, and laws in both the U.S. and Rwanda that discourage adoption by single parents, cause Laura to falsify paperwork and bring Corene home to Chicago illegally.  Laura’s legal woes continue, and are made all the more difficult by Corene’s inevitable celebrity.

Laura’s fight to become a parent is a learning process through which she comes to terms with events from her past and learns to love unconditionally.

“Children of Genocide” is a coming of age story wherein the love of a child allows an adult to grow-up herself. The story deals with themes of justice, faith, the meaning of adulthood, and the need to let go of those we love.  Social issues of race, the generational effects of genocide, and the unique burden of raising gifted child are also explored.

COVERAGE:

“A dramatic, character driven story.”

“Solid themes about life’s choices, ‘healing,’ and connecting.”

“The script features a spirited and determined female protagonist that drives the story.”