Participation, Not Just Passion: Darfur Now!
A recent article in the Washington Post describes how President Bush’s passion for ending the crisis in Darfur has not been sufficiently matched by action. This problem of inaction plagues not only the White House but the global community as a whole. Darfur Now, a documentary set to be released on November 2nd in select cities, chronicles the efforts of six individuals who have taken a different approach. They have each devoted their lives to supporting the suffering people of Darfur. This inspiring film, written and directed by Ted Braun and partially funded by the American Jewish Committee, tells the stories of people who have shown more than just passion. They have taken action on many different fronts to combat these crimes against humanity.
Adam Sterling co-founded the Sudan Divestment Task Force, which mobilizes grassroots to pressure state governments to divest from Darfur. Hejewa Dam joined the Sudanese Liberation army and risks her life to fight against the Janjaweed militia. Don Cheadle co-authored Not on Our Watch and has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken advocates for action on Darfur. Luis Moreno-Ocampo serves as the chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court at The Hague and is working to bring the political architects of the genocide in Darfur to justice. Sheikh Ahmed Mohamad Abakar acts as the leader of a refugee camp in Darfur and provides food and shelter to hundreds of displaced families. Pablo Recalde directs the World Food Program’s efforts in Darfur which send trucks to distribute rations to remote areas of the region.
We highly recommend this film to those who are already passionate about changing the situation in Darfur and are hoping to find ways to get involved. In describing the stories of these six extraordinary individuals, Darfur Now takes for granted that the passion to end the genocide exists. Instead, it focuses on how to take action. Most importantly, Darfur Now gives concrete ways to get involved and empowers its viewers to have a role in ending the genocide. It encourages us all to participate, instead of simply being passionate.