Photographer Kristian Skeie

Monday, April 06, 2015

Bisesero, April 7th. 21st. Commemoration, Rwanda Genocide.

Today, last year, I was in Bisesero in order to spend the 20th Commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. Bisesero is a small village up in the mountains, overlooking Lake Kivu and Congo (DRC). From Kibuye, you need a very good 4x4 car or a motorbike and you will reach the village and the memorial in 3- 4 hours. The people are known to be strong. The history dating back to the events of the summer of 1994 is just awful. In addition to the Hutu militia, there are eye witness accounts suggesting "White Soldiers" were active participants in the killings. And, there were many killings- around 50000 people were massacred during the genocide in this small region. Regardless of who did what in Bisesero, and the rest of Rwanda, the consequences are terrible. Arriving in Bisesero last year, I was met with smiles and laughter by the kids. Hopefully these kids will not have the heavy burden of the recent past obstructing their future.

The engine in our bus between Kigali and Kibuye needed to cool down. Local sales people dropped by with refreshments.

It takes about 4 hours with the bus from Kigali to reach Kibuye. People of Rwanda are pretty much as connected with their mobile phones as the people anywhere in Europe.

Upon arrival in Kibuye, we were met with the taxi drivers.

France controversially refused to officially be represented for the 20th commemoration in Rwanda, after President Paul Kagame made allegations about France's involvement in the Genocide. Bisesero is the heart of the problems between the two countries.

You pass by plenty little villages along the road to Bisesero. It is a very hilly area with plenty of tea plantations. Lake Kivu curves around the hills and can be seen from the road. The kids were typically curios about who were in the car.

The kids of Bisesero, greeting us upon arrival.

The kids of Bisesero greeting us upon arrival.

Local people gathering for the commemoration outside the memorial listening to the radio on what takes place in kigali.

The commemoration in Bisesero takes place by the memorial, April 7th, 2014.

A woman and her child is seen leaving the commemoration on July 7th 2014.

Aaron Mukomeza (left in the photo, the son of Aminadabu Birara, the chief of the civilian resistance against the genocide) walking home from the after the commemoration in Bisesero on April 7th 2014.

A young shepherd bringing the his animals home, passing Bisesero.

April is the rain season in Rwanda.

A photograph showing French UN soldiers in Bisesero in 1994

Bellow the Memorial in Bisesero can you seethe remains of over 1500 dead people on display.

Inside the memorial in Bisesero, remains from more then 1500 bodies can be seen.
A further 50000 bodies have been prepared and and will be re-buried in the official
mass grave in June.

Mucyo, a survivor of the genocide, lost a leg during the war. Here, he takes time to show us how the memorial in Bisesero is designed to be functional as well as a place to use by the survivors in this small community. April 7th, 2014.

The commemoration continues into the early hours.

Remains from the 50000 people who were killed during the genocide in 1994. All bodies have during 2014 been reburied into the official mass graves.

The view from the Bisesero Memorial. A region so beautiful. Such a stark contrast to what happened here, only 20 years ago.

Leaving Bisesero really gave you the impression of being isolated. It was dark. No electricity. No water. No nothing in fact. 30 minutes after leaving, the car broke down. We knew there were another 2h 30 min, minimum, to drive. The car broke down again. And again. Eventually, we made it back to Kibuye. It was a great experience to commemorate the 20th Commemoration of the Rwandan Genocide with the people of Bisesero.

Kigali. The city seems another world from the remote parts of Rwanda.

#genocide #storytelling #humanrights #photojournalism #documentary #nikon #reportage #lifeaftergenocide #humanrights #postwar #rwanda #neveragain #africa #photography #kigali #webster #nikonpro #bisesero #rwandagenocide #april7

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Another Srebrenica, Potocari visit

Students from Webster University, Geneva, walking through the old factory building which the UN used as their head quarters during the war in Bosnia. Today, it is the symbol of the Genocide in Srebrenica and the location of the Potocari Memorial.

Students from Webster University in Geneva walking through the large factory building at the Potocari Memorial.

#genocide #neveragain #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #webster #nikonpro #fifdh #marsmira #srebrenicagenocide #bosnia #srebrenica #sandefjord #potocari #sb #norway #norge #fotograf #webster

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Potocari Memorial/ Srebrenica Genocide

The memorial in Potocari, just outside of Srebrenica, is the place where people can come and remember the victims of the genocide that took place in Srebrenica in July 1995. It also a wonderful place to see and to learn with its new study centre that allows people to learn about the conflict that took place in Bosnia during the early 1990's.

A man is praying at the burial of the dead at the Potocari memorial cemetery on July 11th 2014

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Révéraien at home, his place, La Chaux-de-Fonds.

Révéraien Rurangwa, a good friend, a Genocide survivor and a travel companion is back at his place, his home, in La Chaux-de-Fonds, the small town in the canton of Neuchâtel. During last week, my project on "Life After Genocide", was displayed at the "FIFDH- Geneva International Film Festival and Forum"- the slide show ended on the story about Révérien. The Festival is over, but this story continues...

Révérien at home in La Chaux-de-Fonds

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro #kibungo #webster #rwandagenocide

Friday, March 06, 2015

Last Weekend of my project, "Life After Genocide" at Pitoëff theatre during the Human Rights Film Festival in Geneva

Rwanda, April 2014, 20 years after the Genocide in 1994.

The FESTIVAL DU FILM ET FORUM INTERNATIONAL SUR LES DROITS HUMAINS will take place in Geneva 27th of February to 8th of March. The program is amazing- great films followed by great debates and discussion forums. My project on "Life After Genocide" from Srebrenica, Bosnia and Rwanda will be permanently displayed and I hope some of you will have the chance to drop by. Here is a link to the program!

This project has been supported by:

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro #fifdh #paralysed #rwandagenocide #bosnia #srebrenica #sandefjord #sandefjordsblad #sb #norway #norge #fotograf #webster

Tuesday, March 03, 2015

Geneva International Motor Show.

So. Anyone trying to get to Geneva coming from Lausanne will notice traffic problems for the next couple of weeks. It happens every year- it is the Geneva Motor show or Salon Auto! Anyone interested in the latest, fastes and the fanciest in the motor industry will be there. I must say, even though cars may not be my thing- it is rather impressive to see that many clean cars in one place! The place is huge. Today was the press day and I particularly noticed two things- one was the nicest car, the other was the care the cars got. Imagine having someone cleaning your car as you move....!

This guy kept cleaning the car, while the car was rotating.

Such a nice car. Not sure about the brand nor when it will be released...

#workshop #storytelling #photojournalism #documentary #light #nikon #d4 #reportage #education #photography #d810 #sb910 #geneva #lausanne #switzerland #webster #salonauto #motorshow #genevamotorshow #nikonpro

Thursday, February 19, 2015

"Life After Genocide" on display at the 13th Human Rights Film Festival in Geneva- FIFDH

613 bodies were laid to rest in Potocari on July 11th 2012. 2015 marks 20 years since the genocide took place in Srebrenica.

This project has been supported by:

Thursday, February 12, 2015

20 years- Srebrenica. 21 years Rwanda. FIFDH- Geneva.

Coffins being carried out to be buried during the "Burial of the Dead" on July 11th, 2014. 175 bodies were laid to rest at the Potocari Memorial Cemetery, just outside Srebrenica in 2014.

In around 2 weeks, the FESTIVAL DU FILM ET FORUM INTERNATIONAL SUR LES DROITS HUMAINS will take place in Geneva- I will post parts of the program here, once it is available. My project on "Life After Genocide" from Srebrenica, Bosnia and Rwanda will be permanently displayed and I hope some of you will have the chance to drop by- 27th of February to 8th of March!

Sunday, February 08, 2015

London. Inspiration and editing!

There is a party there, across the Grand Union Canal

Very nice to be back in London.

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro #kibungo #paralysed #rwandagenocide #bosnia #srebrenica #london #progress #editiing

Thursday, February 05, 2015

Photography Workshop- BHUTAN- August 2015

Bhutan Photo Workshop August 2015!

Plenty fantastic photography experiences- but be prepared to also be photographed!

Isolated in the Himalayas for centuries and untouched by mass tourism, Bhutan is a hidden gem for photographers.

"Set out into the kingdom of Bhutan to shoot images of its welcoming people, exquisite temples, timeless farming villages, and the towering Himalaya. Capture scenes from a lively market or crimson-robed monks against a backdrop of whitewashed dzongs. Capture the spirit of happiness in the smile of kids, in an archery game and the celebration of ancient ceremonies. Practice your photographic skills while learning about Gross National Happiness and discovering this breathtaking country"

On this workshop I will be travelling with Alvaro Moreno, an expert on tourism and sustainable travels... He spent a year working for the tourist authorities in Bhutan and knows the place better then most.. In addition, there will be a local English speaking guide who will help us navigate through some of the major sites worth photographing!

Itinerary:

11 August – Latest day to depart towards Kathmandu (contact us for other cities). Earlier departures possible.

12 August – Arrival to Kathmandu. Warm-up photo session in the historical city centre.

13-19 August – Photo workshop in Bhutan.

19 August – Departure to Kathmandu and day tour.

Depending on flight schedules, sightseeing might be possible. For those who continue back to Europe, night flight to country of origin.

20 August – Arrival to city of origin.

Daily planning

The workshop will be mostly hands-on. Every day in Bhutan will include a new visit and plenty of photo opportunities. The guide will explain what and where we will visit, the photographer will explain what we will focus on and give some guidance on how to approach the new photo opportunity. The goal will be to improve your photography skills and bring with you a nice portfolio from Bhutan at the end of the trip.

Level of the workshop

This workshop is perfect for beginners as well as advanced amateurs who want to get better at travel and reportage photography. Other travellers or partners of participants who want to discover Bhutan are also welcomed to join and whenever possible some alternative visits might be arranged, although they will mostly have to adapt to the rhythm of the group.

Information

Dates: 11-20 August

Cost: 3990.- USD

Group Size: 5-8

Incudes:

All Workshop activities
Flight Kathmandu- Paro- Kathmandu
6 Nights in Bhutan in single room occupancy (double room also possible)
1 night in Nepal in single room occupancy
All meals in Bhutan; 1 dinner, 1 breakfast in Nepal
Local English speaking guide
All visit and transport in Bhutan
All taxes
Visa for Bhutan

More information here:

https://butanexclusivo.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/photo-tour-to-bhutan-11-20-august-2015.pdf

For registration, contact me directly or Alvaro Moreno/ Butan Exclusivo on info@butanexclusivo.com

#bhutan #workshop #photography #photojournalism #munk #monastry #dechenphodrang #photographer #travelphotography

Monday, February 02, 2015

Fint Portrett i Sandefjords Blad

Linda Hansen, journalist in Sandefjords Blad Newspaper in Norway, wrote a wonderful article on my work. It was published last Saturday and it was great to get so much feedback from my home town, Sandefjord! I am looking forward to get a copy in the post in the next few days. Here is a link to the online version: https://www.sb.no/kultur/stadig-flere-ser-kristians-bilder/s/5-73-26098

The article in Sandefjords Blad last Saturday

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Little girl dancing, outs the door at Janvier's place.

From her bed, Janvier (from the previous post) can see the corridor in the house where she lives. This young, little girl often comes to play. Janvier was 11 in 1994, this girl is younger, but one can only imagine how different her life would have been without her injuries.

This young girl often play as she visits Janvier.

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro #kibungo #paralysed #rwandagenocide

Monday, January 12, 2015

Reverien met Janvier again at her house in Kibungo, Rwanda.

Reverien met Janvier Uwumukiza when both were at the same red cross hospital in 1994. She was 11. She had been thrown into a very deep pit. As a result, she is paralysed from neck and down. Only a little bit of movement in her left arm remains. Still, she greeted us at her house in Kibungo near the boarder to Tanzania. She had a big smile, make up and new, pink, nails. But life is not easy. She prefers her room to stay rather dark, has a small TV set for entertainment and of course help with just about everything. She has been 20 years in bed. She can not move at all. Not even to be take outside.

Reverien met Janvier again at her house in Kibungo, Rwanda.

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro #kibungo #paralysed #rwandagenocide

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

At John's

I visited John's place. He lives near the airport in Kigali, in the Remera district. I enjoyed seeing his new place, shame he is not running his Tea Room anymore- it was such a great place! Instead, he prepared my coffee.

John preparing coffee at his place in Remera, a district in Kigali.
#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #john #nikonpro #remera

Monday, January 05, 2015

Reverien: Back at the house.

It all happened 20 years ago- still, the house is there, his aunt lives there now and takes care of the place. Kids are playing in the yard, running down the road, just like nothing had ever happened. It is easy to see how the life must have once been.

A child is playing outside the house of Reverien in Mugina.

#rwanda #genocide #neveragain #africa #photography #nikon #d810 #documentary #photojournalism #reportage #d4 #kigali #webster #reverienrurangwa #nikonpro

Sunday, January 04, 2015

The day before

Courage is a big word. Some people have been through more then others. Reverien falls into this category. The plan was always to visit his old village- where he grew up and spent the first 15 years of his life, in Gitarama, Rwanda. He was 15, in 1994. During the genocide, he lost all the nearest 43 family members. Here we see Reverien the day before he went to visit his old village.

Reverien, Kigali, Rwanda, January 2015