When Children Bear Arms. Five Films on Child Soldiers for Red Hand Day
This article is a collaborative effort between the Center for Civil Liberties and Sensor Media.
Annually, on February 12, the world observes Red Hand Day, also known as the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of the issue of child exploitation in warfare. Children, being one of the most vulnerable socio-demographic groups during conflicts, are often exploited as an alternative to adult soldiers. Regrettably, the 21st century has seen a significant increase in the involvement of children in military conflicts.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, an international body, has been actively working to address the issue of child recruitment. As of 2018, they have identified 20 states and more than 60 armed groups (as of 2016) that employ child soldiers.
This article features five films from various directors and years, providing insights into the lives of child soldiers and the challenges they face.
Beasts of No Nation (2015)
This American war drama film, directed by Cary Fukunaga, depicts the events of the civil war in Sierra Leone, a West African country. Based on the novel of the same name by Nigerian-American writer Uzodinma Iweala, the film narrates the story of Agu, a boy living with his family in a small West African village situated in a “buffer zone” guarded by ECOMOG troops. The villagers learn that the government has fallen and rebels affiliated with the military have taken control of the country. As rebels and government forces battle in and around Agu’s village, he manages to escape into the jungle. However, he is soon captured by the rebels. Their commander, exploiting Agu’s fear and hatred of the military, coerces him into joining their ranks.
Johnny Mad Dog (2008)
Set against the backdrop of the civil war in Liberia, an African country adjacent to Egypt, this film portrays the life of a teenage rebel, Johnny Mad Dog. He leads a small group of young men under the command of the elder General Never Die, who ensnares them in a web of cocaine addiction. The film realistically traces the group’s march to the capital, Monrovia, as they traverse towns and villages, intimidating, looting, and often executing civilians. The soldiers, depicted as near-savage, commit acts of looting and rape, risking their own lives. The film’s characters wear eccentric outfits, including butterfly wings and a wedding dress, and bear nicknames like “Bad Advice,” “Captain Dust to Dust,” and “Chicken Hair.”
War Witch (2012)
Directed by Kim Nguyen, this Canadian film introduces us to Komona, a girl who becomes a soldier in thecivil war in Central Africa. Providing a stark portrayal of a child soldier who experiences the harsh realities of war firsthand, the narrative revolves around Komona, who is abducted from her village by militants and trained to become a soldier. Amidst the fear and loss, Komona possesses an extraordinary gift – the ability to predict the future, a talent that intrigues both enemies and allies.
Ezra (2007)
The film “Ezra” centers around a teenager named Ezra, who falls victim to the civil war in Sierra Leone. When rebels attack his village, Ezra is compelled to become a soldier. This drama, based on real events, underscores the tragic impact of war on children, their families, and their struggle for survival amid extreme instability. The war ravages both his country and his soul. His daily life oscillates between a psychological rehabilitation center and a national reconciliation tribunal organized under the United Nations’ auspices. During the rehabilitation process, Ezra confronts his sister, who accuses him of murdering their parents. However, Ezra has no recollection of the event. The question remains: Will Ezra admit guilt, and will he be forgiven?
First They Killed My Father (2017)
Directed by Angelina Jolie, this biographical film narrates the story of Lung Ung, a five-year-old girl who witnesses the horrors of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. Based on a memoir, the film recounts the protagonist’s harrowing journey of survival and recovery amidst tremendous losses. The film’s plot is rooted in the Cambodian genocide, which spanned from 1975 to 1979 during the reign of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge regime.
Author: Olesia Leleka, a student at the Institute of International Relations of Taras Shevchenko Kyiv National University, and an intern at the Center for Civil Liberties.
