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A large portion of that money was spent on insuring the crew as they filmed armed rebels in unstable territory. Not only did the producers have to work tirelessly to convince companies to insure the crew, they also had to convince the Sudanese government to let them film. In a planned two-week research trip that turned into three months, Braun spoke to leaders of nearly 100 tribes in Darfur. After all that, he also had to fill out reams of paperwork for the U.S. Treasury in order to attempt to make money off a project filmed in an embargoed country. To say this movie was a labor of love would be a bit of an understatement.

Adam Sterling lobbies for divestment

Given the religious roots of the film, I was surprised that faith didn't play much of a role throughout. Despite some news reports to the contrary, those interviewed in Darfur Now do make it clear the genocide is a power play (of government vs. civilians) rather than a religious battle. They underscore this conflict is by and large Muslims killing Muslims and not Muslims killing animists or Christians (who comprise 25 percent and 5 percent of the population, respectively). However, we never hear any of those interviewed citing their faith as a driving factor in their fight against such evil. While Pablo Recalde winningly calls his work "part of my responsibility as a human being," no one talks about his or her responsibility as a person of faith. I'm left wondering where Christians (or Jews or other people of faith) factor in the battle against the genocide. I know they're out there faithfully fighting this huge evil; that part of the equation simply isn't shown here.

After the screening I attended, Adam Sterling shared with our audience that it was one college class (on African politics) that transformed him from an apathetic non-voter into a fulltime activist. When he attempted to form a student group in 2004, only four people showed up at his first meeting. Now he's helped launch a national divestment movement (http://www.DivestForDarfur.org), with legislation now passed in 12 states. Talking about his surprising role in this epic battle, Sterling quoted Martin Luther King, Jr., "We don't have to see the entire staircase to take the first step."

Hopefully, well-crafted and moving films such as Darfur Now will inspire more people to take that small but significant movement.

Participate.net—find information about the six people featured in the movie and steps you can take in each of their areas of work

Divestfordarfur.org—learn more about divestment and sign a petition calling investment firms to divest from companies that help fund genocide in Darfur

Savedarfur.org—receive up-to-date news on the situation in Darfur as well as information on events and rallies nationwide

1-800-GENOCIDE—hear talking points on Darfur issues before being connected to your elected officials

Talk About It

1. How do Richard Pimentel's actions mirror those of Christ? Give examples.
2. Have you ever been guilty of walking past someone with a disability and seeing only their handicap and not someone created in God's image? How do we get past that?
3. In the latter half of Darfur Now, Richard becomes so obsessed with his job helping others, that he neglects himself and his own relationships. How does one balance ministering to others and caring for our first and foremost responsibility—our families?
4. Read Matthew 25:34-40, Isaiah 42:3, and Micah 6:8. How do these verses apply to the way we treat those with disabilities? Do Christians have any sort of obligations toward the disabled? If so, how might we act on those obligations?

The Family Corner

Darfur Now is rated PG for thematic material since the movie is all about the killing of innocent civilians. Most of the violence is implied, but we do hear discussions about rape and torture and also see childrens drawings of disturbing violence. Many of the political and legislative issues would be confusing and/or boring to most children. Obviously not for younger audiences, Darfur Now could be a good introduction to important world events for mature older teens.

Photos © Copyright Warner Independent

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