MtM x Asser Institute: Theatre of Violence
The Asser Institute and Movies that Matter invite you to a special screening of the Theatre of Violence documentary on Tuesday 9 December 2025 in The Hague at 7.00 PM. This powerful documentary explores international justice, child soldiers and the landmark ICC trial of Dominic Ongwen.
The film follows the case of Ongwen, a former commander in Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). He stands accused of severe war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC). Yet his story is deeply complex: Ongwen was abducted by the LRA at just nine years old, traumatised, brainwashed and forced into violence.
His dual identity — both victim and perpetrator — lies at the heart of the Theatre of Violence documentary.
The haunting story of Dominic Ongwen raises questions that go to the very heart of international justice:
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How does the ICC determine criminal responsibility in such a complicated case?
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When does a victim become a perpetrator? And can a person be both?
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Do international legal decisions made in The Hague align with what communities in Uganda need to rebuild and heal?
This human rights documentary highlights the tension between global justice systems and local realities, and shows the impact of conflict, trauma and cultural beliefs on those directly affected.
After the screening, we will host an expert panel discussion to explore the themes raised in the film.
The conversation will cover the phenomenon of child soldiers, the role of spirituality in the Ongwen case, and how victims themselves view the crimes for which he was convicted. Together we aim to understand how trauma, belief and justice intersect. And how international law responds to communities dealing with conflict.
Full panel line-up will be announced soon.