Educational Media Reviews Online

We follow President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on her challenges and personal reflections over the first 48 months of her presidency as the first elected female president in all of Africa. The air of her election is that of civil strife and civil war. She inherits the corrupt legacy of Charles Taylor and a government plagued with corrupt officials, legislators, civil servants and bankruptcy. Her first move as we track her through the first month of her presidency is building a new cabinet; one depicted by the female gender only. Hence, we derive the title of the film, “Iron Ladies”. After all, we are not just examining the role of President Sirleaf, but that of her cabinet and their abilities to right the wrongs of the past fourteen years of male dominated rule.

The viewer quickly grows to admire President Sirleaf who frankly faces her chores and diplomatically addresses her foes. Whether it is prior or present corrupt officials, or unsettled military seeking to be paid she balances her office with the basic thought that she is there to serve the whole country, both the repressed and the oppressors.

We conclude the film with the desire to further explore this new governmental reform and consider current events since the filming. Editing and photography are very good. The voice sound quality is good. This is a quality presentation worthy of inspiring viewers to follow-up on current affairs in Liberia.

Awards

• Student Jury Prize One World Film Festival, Prague 2008
• Target Documentary Feature Award, AFI Dallas 2008
• Best Political Documentary, Baniff World Television Festival 2008
• Best Documentary Baniff World Television Festival, 2008