Darfur Now

In 2007, the documentary film Darfur Now, featuring actor and activist Don Cheadle, was released to bring awareness to the ongoing conflict and genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan. The film was directed by Ted Braun and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Darfur Now follows the lives of six different individuals who are all affected by the conflict in different ways. Adam Sterling, an activist and lawyer in California, is working to convince state legislators to divest from companies that do business in Sudan. He believes that the Sudanese government is using the profits from oil companies to fund the militias that are committing genocidal acts.

Juan Mendez, the UN special advisor on genocide prevention, is traveling to Sudan to investigate the situation there. He is concerned not only about the immediate violence and displacement but also about the underlying issues of poverty, marginalization, and discrimination that are fueling the conflict.

Pablo Recalde is a worker for the World Food Programme who is trying to bring aid to the camps of displaced persons in Darfur. His work is essential but also dangerous, as he must navigate checkpoints and deal with armed groups to get supplies to those who need them.

Ahmed Mohammed Abakar and Sheikh Ahmed Mohamad Abakar are two refugees who have fled the violence and are now living in a camp in Chad. They share their stories and struggles, including the difficulty of making a living and getting an education in a place where resources are scarce.

Finally, Hawa Abdallah Mohammed Salih is an activist in Sudan who is working to help women who have been victims of sexual violence. She provides support and counseling to these women and helps them to rebuild their lives in the face of trauma and stigma.

Throughout the film, these individuals share their stories and their efforts to make a difference in the face of overwhelming violence and suffering. Darfur Now also features interviews with world leaders and activists, including US Senator Barack Obama and musician Bob Geldof, who advocate for action to end the conflict in Darfur.

Overall, Darfur Now is a powerful and moving documentary that shines a light on a highly neglected and horrific conflict. The film showcases the lives of those affected by the violence and the tireless work of activists trying to make a difference. It is a call to action for the international community to do more to end the crisis and support those who are suffering.