30 Second Bottom Line: Rural farmers in the Sudan go through a cycle of civil war…from peace, to war, back to peace. The real question is what has really changed? Who has learned what and will the future be any better?

Story Line: Djimi (Haikal Zakaria) is in his early 20's and the son in a family that manages a small grain producing farm. They generate just enough income to literally scrape by. They are accurately described as being a step or two above "dirt poor." Most striking is the family's focus on doing things that we all can relate to, such as being able to buy a new set of clothes for an important ceremony, to purchase special food items and provide health care for their children.

Djimi's childhood friend is Koni (Abdoulaye Ahmat), and as is common with boys, they like to pull pranks on each other. Djimi is a shy young man and we learn that Koni is more outgoing. He angers Djimi with his meddling by trying to get Djimi to speak with a young woman he admires.

Djimi has an infant sister, who is sick enough for him to accompany her and their mother on an overnight trip as they walk to the dispensary. During this time a new political regime has imposed a tax on the farmers, which is the difference maker between getting by and being dirt poor. The resistance to pay the taxes is met with violence that erupts into civil war. On the way back from the dispensary, Djimi decides to join the rebels and says goodbye to his mother and sister.

The film takes us on an earthy journey, depicting how rebels are motivated, the battles they fight, and how close friends can become enemies. A circle of pain can result in a peace, which is questionably better than the peace that existed before the war erupted in the first place.

Tell Me More About It: Civil war has to be the most painful of all wars. The wounds seem deeper from the civil war in the United States than from events we are much more aware of in WWII and Viet Nam. It's easier to bury the hatchet with Germany or Japan, despite the German death camps and the bombing of Pearl Harbor, than to reach an agreement on whether the Confederate Flag is a symbol of the right to own slaves, or simply a show of southern heritage and history.

Djimi sees his rebels gain power, only to lose it when the ruthless leaders moderate their stance and get the outside world to accept their positions. Those who committed the crimes conveniently forget prior atrocities. There comes a time when the rebel forces are depleted, new recruits are few and far between, arms and food are hard to come by, and hand to hand combat is replaced with foot soldiers fighting their opponents who have tanks and aircraft. This results in some rebels joining their former enemies.

Death is a daily part of war. In spite of the sadness of so many events in the civil war, at some point, it does end. Having the ability to put the past behind you so you can move forward without forgetting the lessons learned, is essential to a lasting peace. Also required is that every man and woman should have a say in their destiny, as symbolized by the ability to vote, which means nothing unless exercised. Only then can no one man or group, have too much power.

As they say, power corrupts, and there should be no doubt that a deep level of evil resides in man that needs to be controlled. Pick any date in history and you can find an example of this. Even good people often must be armed. They may not use these weapons in an offensive manner, but it provides a strong enough defense to discourage those who wish to become dictators or despots.

Djimi: Haikal Zakaria	Koni: Abdoulaye Ahmat
Director: Issa Sege Coelo