Landmines: Seeds of the Devil (Angola) 2000
Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)
Produced by Journeyman Pictures
Director n/a
VHS, color, 40 min.
Adult
Geography, History, African Studies
Date Entered: 11/09/2018
Reviewed by Jay Schwartz, Suffolk County Community College, Riverhead, New YorkAs a result of the civil war in Angola, an estimated 10,000,000 land mines have been planted by both sides of the conflict. The result is 200 casualties per week from mines, and a country with 70,000 amputees. This program focuses on children who were left without arms, legs, or sometimes both, in a country ill equipped to deal with the large number of injuries. Educational programs that teach children how to recognize and avoid mines are shown. The stories of several children, how they came to be injured, and what the horrific injuries have done to their lives are told in heartbreaking detail. Various techniques for landmine detection and removal are shown. The point is made that while it costs $3 to plant a mine, clearing the same mine can cost $800. A clear, effective and disturbing program. Recommended for public and college libraries as well as junior and senior high schools.