If Only I Were That Warrior

If Only I Were That Warrior is a thought-provoking documentary film released in 2015. This riveting picture was directed by the Italian filmmaker Valerio Ciriaci. Grenade-films, an independent New York-based film production company, produced the film. The narrative skillfully weaves together modern-day stories with historical events, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of a complex issue that many may not have been previously aware.

The movie delves into the theme of colonialism, focusing specifically on the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1935. Remembered as the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, this was one of the significant conflicts in the interwar period that marked Italy's expansive imperialism under Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. What distinguishes this conflict and places it at the heart of this documentary is the Italian army’s indiscriminate use of chemical weapons in violation of the Geneva Protocol. An incident largely forgotten by many facets of the world but remains a deep scar in the Ethiopian collective memory of national suffering.

Within the scope of this broad historical context, the documentary presents three narratives spotlighting different aspects of the Italian colonial era in North Africa and its modern societal consequences. The first narrative trajectory follows a war veteran from Ethiopia who vividly recalls the horror and atrocities of the Italian invasion. His painful recounting illuminates the persistent trauma experienced by the Ethiopian populace, portraying a nuanced picture of the lasting impact of a war that remains largely submerged in world history.

The second narrative revolves around an Italian man who is deeply patriotic and cherishes his country's colonial past in East Africa. This man's perspective provides an insight into a segment of Italian society that views the colonial past with nostalgia, despite its ethical challenges.

The third narrative stems from the controversy surrounding the unveiling of a monument in Italy in honor of Rodolfo Graziani, a general in the Italian army during the invasion. Often referred to as the 'Butcher of Ethiopia,' Graziani is accused of being responsible for the mass murder of tens of thousands of Ethiopians during a failed assassination attempt against him. The decision to honor such a figure sparked international protest and opened up a Pandora's box of unsettled historical and ethical controversy.

The construction around the monument serves as the pivotal point in the film, unfolding the many layers of unacknowledged guilt, lingering wounds of colonial violence, and the collective memory of war crimes that most wish to forget. In tackling the theme of historical memory and reckoning with the past, the film doesn't hold back from questioning the validity and morality of commemorating a controversial figure.

Asides from its rich historical analysis, If Only I Were That Warrior is visually arresting. The movie makes superb use of archival footages, photographs, and firsthand accounts which contribute to the gravitas of the narratives and foster an immersive visual mosaic of the past and present.

Moreover, the elegant juxtaposition of picturesque Italian and Ethiopian sceneries is made all the more potent by the disturbing histories they harbor. Viewing traditions, cultures, and people from both countries provides a stark reminder that historical events profoundly echo in every aspect of societal life.

The film effectively uses a blend of interviews, footages, and narration to deliver a compelling and informative story. However, it is not just a historical exploration. It is a daring attempt at instigating important dialogues about the repudiation of war crimes, the importance of historical accountability, and the necessity of recognizing past wrongs to foster reconciliation and mutual understanding.

By immersing the audience in the perspectives of those directly affected by Italy's imperialist past, If Only I Were That Warrior poses essential questions about the legacy of colonialism and how societies choose to remember, or indeed, forget, their past. The movie serves as an urgent call to revisit and illuminate history, shedding light on a part of the world that international cinema has rarely scrutinized.