Educational Media Reviews Online

When viewing a documentary that focuses on accused perpetrators of war crimes stemming from the horrific recent conflicts in Sierra Leone, it is surprising to find yourself conflicted about the international court system and verdicts reached. War Don Don provides an incredibly close look at the processes of international justice, particularly as they have related to the Special Court of Sierra Leone trial of Issa Sesay, a senior military officer in the Revolutionary United Front. The revolutionary efforts against Sierra Leone’s seated government and the violence that ensued have been documented graphically in the general media and documentary film. With rebel catch phrases such as “Operation No Living Thing” and “Operation Spare No Soul” it is remarkable that this filmmaker has created an incredibly balanced documentary of both prosecution and defense. How do you defend the seemingly indefensible? How can an international court supported largely from outside the cultural context really prosecute fairly? The Special Court of Sierra Leone’s website (http://www.sc-sl.org/) indicates that “The Special Court is the first international criminal tribunal to be funded entirely from voluntary contributions from governments. The Special Court has so far received contributions in cash and in kind from over 40 states, representing all geographic areas of the world. Canada, the Netherlands, Nigeria, the United Kingdom and the United States have provided strong support. “

This film in no way attempts to minimize the atrocities of the Sierra Leone conflict, nor does it try to apologize for the individuals on trial. However, War Don Don does give a unique look at all sides, from the international justice system, to the accused, and to the victims, revealing the human complications and widely diverse responses and consequences of the acts on trial.

War Don Don is highly recommended. It is appropriate general and educational viewing related to crimes against humanity, civil war, international judicial processes, and the complexity of multi-cultural perspectives.

Awards

• Winner, Cinereach Award, Human Rights Watch Film Festival New York 2010
• Winner, Karen Schmeer Aware for Excellence in Documentary Editing, IFF Boston 2010
• Winner, Special Jury Award SXSW Film Festival 2010
• Winner, First Merit Prize, Taiwan International Documentary Festival 2010
• Winner Investigative Report Best Film award, Festival International du Film des Droits de l’Homme, Paris 2011