Liberia: An Uncivil War Directed by Jonathan Stack, 2004

In the summer of 2003, Liberia, America’s oldest African ally, is in total chaos. Stunning in its access and images, LIBERIA: AN UNCIVIL WAR offers a compelling behind-the-scenes account of the internecine military conflict that destroyed the nation.

The film splits its time between the regime of the corrupt President Charles Taylor and his supporters in the capital city of Monrovia and the rebel Liberians United for Reconciliation and Democracy (LURD) as the rebels advance on the capital after taking control of much of the country with their army of predominantly teenage soldiers, some of whom engage in ritualistic cannibalism because they believe it will protect them against their enemies. There is no protection for the tens of thousands of innocent civilians caught in the escalating conflict — just pleas and prayers for an intervention from the United States — an intervention that would not come.

In LIBERIA: AN UNCIVIL WAR, Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Jonathan Stack has crafted an unforgettable tableau about a country and people on the verge of implosion.

Bonus Features

Never-Before-Seen Farewell Speech by President Charles Taylor to his Nation of Liberia; Filmmaker Biography

Awards:

2005 News & Documentary Emmy Awards: Outstanding Continuing Coverage of a News Story - Long Form Winner, Outstanding Individual Achievement in a Craft: Cinematography Winner