SVETLINA 09 SVETLINA 08 SVETLINA 07 ATLANTIC HOPE 09 ATLANTIC HOPE 08 The Black Swan
Required Readings Internet Resources Additional Readings Humanitarian Cinema Consortium Initiative
Google Yahoo MSN
Home > Humanitarian Cinema
 

 

 

 

Everyone is eager to know more about the experience of humanitarian action in disaster areas and war zones. Few theatrical presentations do the subject justice, just as few war films can really convey the harsh realities of combat. 

However imperfect, the short list below includes some recent films and documentaries on or related to humanitarian subjects and complex emergencies. Click on the titles for more information. On the history of Red Cross films, see Enrico Natale's "Humanitarian Action and Cinema".

  • Blood Diamond (2006) depicts some of the harsh realities of the "resource wars" in Sierra Leone, West Africa.
  • Hotel Rwanda (2004) is the story of Paul Rusesabagina, who some call the "Schindler" of the 1994 genocide in Rwanda.
  • Sometimes in April (2005) in many ways is a more complete portrayal of the genocide in Rwanda and its aftermath.
  • No Man's Land (2001) is a bitter farce about ethnic war in Bosnia and a send up of the UN peacekeeping mission.
  • Lord of War (2005) This Nicholas Cage vehicle tackles the problem of illegal arms trade, especially in small arms, and some of its humanitarian consequences. The accompanying documentary "Making a Killing" on the DVD is worthwhile.
  • The Last Just Man (2002) is a documentary about Canadian General Romeo Dallaire and his experience commanding the failed UN peacekeeping mission in Rwanda.
  • Aftermath: The Remnants of War (2001) based on the book of the same title, is concerned with landmines and unexploded ordnance left behind on battlefields to kill and injure civilians long after the fighting is forgotten.
  • Cry Freetown (1999) Photographer Sorious Samura's documentary about Sierra Leone and the fighting in its capital, Freetown, in 1999. Samura served as a consultant on Blood Diamond (2006). His 50 minute "Blood on the Stone" documentary on the illicit trade in conflict diamonds in the Blood Diamond Extended DVD is a "must see". Consider also his work on refugees.
  • The Triumph of Evil (1999) is a documentary film on Rwanda that is even more disturbing than its theatrical counterparts. Its website is a useful resource.

 

Landmine and UXO Awareness class SVETLINA 07