Darfur Now

2007, 95 minutes

According to the Sudanese UN Ambassador Abdalmahmood Abdalkhaleem, “We are proud to be an Afro-Arab country based on tolerance and understanding.” In his mind, the allegation that genocide is taking place in the Sudanese region of Darfur, as the American government maintains, is “grossly exaggerated.” There is a conflict, he admits, but it involves claims to natural resources. A visit to Sudan teaches us that the population is counting on the ‘white people’ who are helping to rebuild the country. A Sudanese man mentions the criminal practices that are of the order of the day: “Where are the media to cover it all?” Darfur Now does not try to depict the conflict in this African country – instead, it conveys a positive message and calls on Western citizens to take action. The film follows six people involved in several kinds of activities: a tribal chief in a refugee camp in West Darfur, an Argentinean prosecutor at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, a Darfurian woman who joins the rebels, a UN relief worker who offers help on the scene, a student from California handing out leaflets, and a Hollywood star who uses his contacts in China and Egypt for political lobbying. Even “Governator” Arnold Schwarzenegger swings into action. (IDFA)

Credits

Themes
Democracy and politics, Justice and law, War and armed conflict
Suitable for
havo/vwo - bovenbouw
mbo - niveau 3 & 4
Director
Ted Braun
Country of production
United States
Type
Documentary
Duration
95 minutes
Year
2007
Age rating
16 angst