The Devil Came on Horseback
March 4, 2007 at 4:12 p.m.
I’m ashamed to say that during one of the most uniquely cultural events in Columbia, I was only able to attend one movie this weekend. But even though I didn’t attend the other screenings, I am going to confidently assume that the film I did see was one of the most disturbing, moving and influential films that True/False had to offer.
The Devil Came on Horseback is by far the most shocking thing I’ve ever seen. It’s told from the view point of Brian Steidle, a man who was sent into Sudan to observe the supposed cease fire of the civil war. The “devil on horseback” refers to the Janjaweed, an armed militia working with the Sudanese government to get rid of the citizens. With only a camera, a pen and paper, Steidle observed the genocide in Darfur for six months.
As the film progressed, I was able to sympathize more and more with Steidle’s frustration. At one point he commented that if only he were looking through a scope instead of a camera lens, maybe he could help stop the killings. But surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, he wasn’t allowed to take a weapon with him.
The film addresses a sad truth in our society, where people seem to turn their heads when hearing or reading about bad things in other countries. Steidle is not one of those people. He came back from Darfur and told his story to anybody who would listen. But that’s about all those people did.
Steidle had numerous photo albums that proved the devastation. He even went back to talk to some of the survivors and get their accounts. But not much action was taken. The U.S. sent word to the United Nations, but nothing has yet to be done.
When Steidle went back to talk to the survivors, one man’s eyes filled with tears as he shook Steidle’s hand and thanked him. He said, “We pray for the Americans,” because they’re the only people who help. He said that no other countries have offered any assistance. After watching the film, I’m not sure enough Americans have either.
Towards the end of the film, Steidle commented that he knew that bad things were happening. He just didn’t know that so many people were sitting around letting it happen. Hopefully the release of this film, which was shown only one other time at Sundance, will bring awareness to those that usually turn their heads. For those who weren’t aware of the extent of destruction in Darfur, this film will enlighten you more than you can ever imagine. It is definitely the truth of True/False.
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