War Don Don

War Don Don, a groundbreaking 2010 documentary, takes audiences deep into the throes of international justice and the aftermath of conflict. The title, in Krio (a creole language spoken in Sierra Leone), translates to "The War is Over", indicating a post-conflict period. However, the film uses this title ironically to delve deeper into understanding if War Don Don is really applicable to Sierra Leone.

The film follows the trial of a rebel leader from Sierra Leone named Issa Sesay, a commander in the Revolutionary United Front (RUF). Directed by Rebecca Richman Cohen, an Emmy Award-nominated documentary filmmaker and distinguished lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School, the film aims to dissect and meditate on the legal complexities of international war crime tribunals, particularly the Special Court for Sierra Leone.

The film uncovers Sesay's story from multiple perspectives- that of the prosecution, defence, and the local community. For the prosecution, Sesay is held as a symbol of warfare excess, a satisfaction of justice for horrific war crimes during Sierra Leone's decade-long civil war. The defence, however, argues that Sesay was a peacemaker who played a crucial role in the peace process.

The multiple narratives thus offer a comprehensive view of the historical, political, and social facets of warfare, its aftermath, and the pursuit of justice. 'War Don Don' scrutinizes the global judicial system and questions whether a trial can offer redress for the unfathomable violence inflicted during a civil war, and if it correctly represents the complexities of such a war.

The film raises provocative questions about justice and accountability. It challenges the audience’s perception of right and wrong and pushes the boundaries of commonly accepted narratives. The film also calls into question the effectiveness of the concept of international justice, particularly in relation to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Moreover, War Don Don also delves into the collective memory of a nation torn asunder by bloody warfare, exploring their first-hand encounters with pain, torture, loss, redemption, and rehabilitation. While the film does a comprehensive job of presenting different perspectives of the trial, it also highlights the voices of common people whose lives were irreversibly altered by the war.

Cohen’s attempt to illustrate the Sierra Leonean landscape post civil war is commendable. Her depiction of Sierra Leone is both politically engaging and emotionally stirring. The film also portrays the complex and often challenging process of rebuilding in post-conflict societies, giving light to often overlooked, yet critical dimensions of war's aftermath.

Complementing its riveting storyline, War Don Don is visually striking, presenting viewers with an honest, non-sensationalized vision of Sierra Leone. The film strikingly balances the graphic reality of war with the scenic beauty of this West African nation.

Throughout the film, Cohen maintains a neutral stand, giving viewers the room to process and form their own judgment of those events. Rather than spoon-feeding her audience with a single narrative, she presents multiple interpretations, opening a dialogue among viewers about global justice, guilt, innocence and the aftermath of war.

Its astute and balanced take on such a sensitive topic has made War Don Don a critical success. While being hard-hitting and thought-provoking, the film refrains from imposing judgments. Instead, it invites audiences to partake in understanding the complexities of international criminal law, human rights, and transitional justice in the aftermath of conflict.

The depiction of Sierra Leone has been deftly done without indulging in the usual tropes of exploiting war-torn regions' trauma. The nuances of Sierra Leonian culture, flavoured with a deep understanding of its complicated political history, makes this film an essential watch for those interested in social justice.

In conclusion, War Don Don is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary that dares to challenge foreseeable narratives of war crimes and their judicial processing. By zeroing in on the trial of a single man, the film uses it as a lens to shed light on the bigger picture – the process and effectiveness of international justice, the trauma of the war and its victims, and the laborious journey of a nation towards healing and rebuilding.