Few documentaries manage to capture the strength, resilience, and transformative power of women quite like God Is Not Working On Sunday!, directed by Leona Goldstein. This riveting 2015 co-production between Rwanda and Germany offers a deeply intimate and politically charged look at the role of Rwandan women in shaping their country’s post-genocide future. Through the stories of grassroots organizers Godelieve and Florida, the film unearths a powerful feminist movement that is not only rebuilding communities but reshaping Rwanda’s political landscape.
With a runtime of 84 minutes, this documentary doesn’t just document history—it challenges it. Rwanda, a country that endured one of the most devastating genocides of the 20th century, has emerged as a global leader in women’s political representation, with women holding the majority of parliamentary seats since 2008. But God Is Not Working On Sunday! goes beyond statistics and political achievements, delving into the personal journeys of the women at the heart of this transformation.
Set two decades after the Rwandan genocide, God Is Not Working On Sunday!, paints a compelling portrait of a society in transition. Rwanda has been hailed as one of the most progressive nations in Africa, experiencing rapid economic growth and technological advancements. But beneath this progress lies an even more remarkable shift—the rise of women-led initiatives that are actively reshaping the country.
Unlike traditional political documentaries, Goldstein’s film doesn’t focus on official government narratives. Instead, it follows the everyday battles of women like Godelieve and Florida, who work tirelessly in rural communities to help both survivors and perpetrators of the genocide heal. Their grassroots activism challenges deeply entrenched patriarchal structures, showing how political change begins at the individual and community levels.
At the core of God Is Not Working On Sunday! are Godelieve and Florida, two unstoppable forces working to heal the wounds of their country. Both survivors of the genocide, refuse to let history define them. Instead, they use their trauma as fuel for activism, empowering other women to reclaim their voices. They are part of the Twese Hamwe network, a coalition of women-led projects driving Rwanda’s reconstruction.
What makes the film so compelling is its raw, unscripted storytelling. There are no grand speeches or rehearsed statements—only real, unfiltered conversations between women navigating trauma, reconciliation, and the push for equal rights. Their work goes beyond policy advocacy; they organize services for survivors, provide training in villages, and challenge the social taboos that silence women’s demands.
Florida’s sharp wit and rhetorical question, which gives the film its title, encapsulates the spirit of these activists: God Is Not Working On Sunday!—a defiant call for action rather than waiting for divine intervention or governmental change.
One of the film’s most striking elements is how it redefines identity in post-genocide Rwanda. While the terms “Hutu” and “Tutsi” once divided the nation, Godelieve, Florida, and their network reject these labels. They see themselves not as remnants of ethnic divisions but as women working toward a common goal: reconciliation and equality.
Goldstein’s documentary provides a deeply personal perspective on Rwanda’s post-genocide reconstruction, showing how women have built an independent and influential network that now plays a critical role in community healing. Without financial resources or institutional support, these women have created a movement that fosters dialogue, reconciliation, and social change.
The journey from trauma to activism is at the heart of God Is Not Working On Sunday! The documentary follows Godelieve and Florida as they navigate patriarchal barriers and cultural expectations. It chronicles their transformation from silent survivors to vocal activists, leading efforts to reintegrate women into politics and public life.
Through Goldstein’s lens, we witness the profound emotional toll of activism. These women are not just advocating for policy change—they are rebuilding lives, their own included. The film’s long-term observational style immerses viewers in their struggles, victories, and moments of exhaustion, making the audience feel the weight of their fight.
While God Is Not Working On Sunday! is deeply rooted in Rwanda’s history, its themes resonate far beyond its borders. The film contributes to the global conversation on women’s political participation, post-conflict healing, and grassroots activism. It challenges the notion that women’s rights are secondary to national reconstruction and instead argues that they are essential to it.
The documentary has received numerous awards, including Best Film at the China Women’s Film Festival, Best Director at the Berlin Independent Film Festival, and the Best Human Rights Film award at the MOVE IT! Film Festival in Dresden. These accolades underscore its significance not only as a powerful piece of storytelling but as an urgent call to action.
For those eager to witness this remarkable documentary, God Is Not Working On Sunday! is available on Guidedoc, which offers a vast selection of independent and socially impactful documentaries. This documentary is a must-watch for those interested in feminism, post-genocide healing, and grassroots political activism.
If you’re fascinated by the power of documentary storytelling in social movements, don’t miss our article: "Empowered Voices: Documentaries Celebrating Women's Strength Worldwide" on Guidedoc. Dive deeper into how female filmmakers and activists are shaping narratives that challenge history and redefine the future.
God Is Not Working On Sunday! is more than just a documentary—it is a testament to the power of women’s resilience and the necessity of their voices in shaping history. In a world where gender equality remains a global struggle, the film serves as a vital reminder that change begins at the community level.
For those looking to explore more documentaries on women’s activism and post-conflict societies, Guidedoc offers an extensive catalog of films that highlight untold stories from across the world. Watch God Is Not Working On Sunday! and witness firsthand how Rwandan women are rewriting history—one fearless step at a time.
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