Documentary captures the horror ‘invisible children’ endure in Central Africa

The World Cultures Program held a special screening of 2009 documentary “The Rescue” at the Saville Theatre Feb. 14.

The film portrays the ongoing war in northern Uganda that has lasted for 23 years.

The Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) and the government of Uganda have been at war that has left millions of innocent civilians maimed, killed and displaced. The government’s attempt to protect its citizens from this rebel militia has been unsuccessful. Millions of children have been kidnapped by the LRA’s leader, Joseph Kony, in his ongoing war for power.

According to the International Criminal Court, Joseph Kony is the most wanted man in the world.

Nimaro Grace, the special guest speaker at the event, told her story of life in Uganda. She spoke of the constant fear that she and her community endured at the hands of the rebel army.

She described her meeting with the San Diego-based organization, Invisible Children, which changed her life. She won a scholarship the non-profit offers and was able to go to college and earn a degree in business computing.

“Schools where closed down during the time of the war. My parents could not raise money for me to go to school,” Grace said. “I appreciate Invisible Children for what they had done in my life.”

“The Rescue,” produced by the organization, details the atrocities the LRA committed against the people of several countries, including Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan. The army has abducted more than 66,000 children to fight its war.

Jeannie Clark, an Invisible Children roadie team member, was so inspired by the film that she decided to join the cause and now tours to educate others by presenting the film and providing information on how others can get involved with the program.

“The Invisible Children: Kony 2012” tour is traveling to communities all across the United States to spread the word about the terrors of

Kony’s reign.

Audience member Anna Gumbayan seemed receptive to the message.

“We’re here and not really doing anything … having a voice can help,” she said.

Invisible Children began as a grassroots movement in the spring of 2003. Three young filmmakers, Jason Russell, Bobby Bailey, Laren Poole, traveled to Africa in search of a story. They originally planned on documenting genocide in Darfur but discovered the conflict in Central Africa surrounding Kony. The little media attention of the conflict compelled them to make the documentary.

Invisible Children Inc. has it’s headquarters in San Diego. Their programs rely on the commitment of volunteers and young activists who use their voices for peace.

The aim of their programs is to provide aid to Central Africans impoverished by the conflict by providing access to education, reuniting families and raising awareness of the need to stop Kony.

For more information on World Cultures events visit Room 2A or call 619-388-3552.