Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds

Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds is a compelling and insightful documentary series presented by an esteemed network, National Geographic, which was first broadcasted in 2007. This thought-provoking and heart-wrenching series delves deep into the grim truth behind blood diamonds, an issue that has besieged the African continent for decades.

Seamlessly blending elements of political investigative journalism with human interest narrative, Diamonds of War, paints a bleak picture of the African diamond industry, unmasking the intricate networks of trade and corruption that fuel the relentless war conflicts in certain parts of the continent. The central focus revolves around monikers "blood diamonds" or "conflict diamonds," as known in the global diamond trade, essentially diamonds mined in war zones and later sold to finance armed conflict against governments.

Echoing the ethos of National Geographic, the documentary series has made conscious efforts to deliver this sensitive content with comprehensive accuracy and the highest research standards. Rather than adopt a lecturing tone, the series takes a more enticing narrative approach, guiding viewers through the intricate web of corruption and human suffering that constitutes the underbelly of the diamond trade.

The series kicks off with the journey of these diamonds, right from the perilous mining process in war-torn parts of Africa, often controlled by rebel, anti-government factions amid dire humanitarian conditions. It then follows the illegal smuggling routes that these diamonds take, often saturated with subversive elements. Upon arriving and sold in the Western world’s jewelry stores, these diamonds personify glamour, affluence, and romantic allure, a stark contrast to the brutal reality of their origins.

While the crux of the show is to tackle the political-economic correlation between the diamond trade and conflict, Diamonds of War doesn't skimp on branded National Geographic elements. This includes capturing heart-rending yet resolute portraits of common conglomerate workers, forced child laborers, corrupt soldiers, hopeless villagers, and others whose lives are marred by the diamond trade. Throughout its runtime, the camerawork remains unflinchingly honest and strikingly rich, often juxtaposing the raw, unadulterated beauty of Africa with its tragic confessional tales and the stark brutality that results from greed and power struggles.

In a bold endeavor, the series also profiles various international agencies, non-profit organizations, and local communities who are coming together to fight the menace of blood diamonds. The detailed investigations and first-hand narratives of those on the frontline give the documentary a layer of depth and authenticity. Dedicated officials from the United Nations, as well as diamond industry insiders and experts, provide illuminating insights into the complex world of mineral resource control, conflict funding, and the ongoing attempts to push for traceability of diamonds’ source, essentially creating a roadmap towards a conflict-free diamond trade.

Diamonds of War provides the audience not just an education on the blood diamond trade but also calls on them to become informed consumers. It makes a profound statement about the direct and indirect roles consumers of these precious stones in developed nations have in perpetuating the cycle of violence and exploitation in Africa. By the end of the series, viewers are left with an unsettlingly profound question: Is the price of a diamond worth more than a human life?

Overall, the Diamonds of War: Africa's Blood Diamonds serves as an intense journey, a call to action, and a stark confrontation of the west with its complicity in the blood diamond trade. With its stellar documentation, corresponding narratives, exclusive interviews, personal stories, and breathtaking visuals, the series excels in presenting a poignant and chilling depiction of the real price of beauty. This is a must-watch series for anyone eager to learn more about the impact of our consumption choices on global dynamics, making us face the uncomfortable truth and rethink our responsibilities as global citizens. However, be prepared for an emotional roller-coaster ride as it's a real-life horror story unfolding right on our desktops and television screens.