Robert DeNiro hosts this powerful 18-minute documentary that shares the personal experiences of children who have been forced to be direct participants in war. Their stories of courage invite the viewer into a world of violence no child should ever experience.
In dozens of countries around the world, children have become direct participants in war. Denied a childhood and often subjected to horrific violence, some 300,000 children are serving as soldiers in current armed conflicts.
These young combatants participate in all aspects of contemporary warfare. They wield AK-47s and M-16s on the front lines of combat, serve as human mine detectors, participate in suicide missions, carry supplies, and act as spies, messengers or lookouts. Child soldiers are being used in more than 30 countries around the world.
In Sierra Leone, thousands of children abducted by rebel forces have witnessed and participated in horrible atrocities against civilians, including beheadings, amputations, rape, and burning people alive. Children forced to take part in atrocities were often given drugs to overcome their fear or reluctance to fight. Girls are also used as soldiers in many parts of the world. In addition to combat duties, girls are subject to sexual abuse and may be taken as “wives” by rebel leaders in Angola, Sierra Leone and Uganda.
Because of their innocence and lack of experience, child soldiers suffer higher casualties than their adult counterparts. Even after the conflict is over, they are left physically disabled or psychologically traumatized. Frequently denied an education or the opportunity to learn civilian job skills, many find it difficult to rejoin peaceful society. Schooled only in war, former child soldiers are often drawn into crime or become easy prey for future recruitment.
Awards
An Excellence Award Winner from the Film Advisory Board
Details
LENGTH: 1 x 18 Minutes
FORMAT: Special
CAMERA: Betacam
INTERNATIONAL TRACK: Yes
TEXTLESS: No
CLOSED CAPTIONS: No
ASPECT RATIO: 4:3
PRODUCTION YEAR: 2003
RELEASE YEAR: 2003
SUPPLIER: Firefly Productions
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
RIGHTS TERRITORY: Worldwide
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