Camp 72 Documentary Brings Forward The Voice Of Many Liberians

With the approaching presidential elections in Liberia, it is time that issues concerning to many Liberians be heard. The newly released documentary Camp 72 brings forward the voice of many Liberians. It is about the ongoing quest for justice and healing after war in Liberia.

Lovetta Tugbeh, the Director for Coalition for Justice Liberia based in the United States said, "This film gives an glimpse into the struggle many Liberians in the country still face." Tugbeh says, "I can tell you the issue of justice is very much on the mind of the Liberian diaspora.

"We are demanding justice for Liberian war victims for heinous crimes against vulnerable civilians and other foreign nationals. If the global community fails to hold those who violated human rights accountable it will not only be a contradiction in our fight against terrorism, but an injustice to war victims, a threat to peace and security in the entire West African Sub-regions."

Prior to the special digital release of Camp 72 this month, it was screening at film festivals where it won several awards including an Amnesty International Human Rights Award in Barcelona at the Festival De Cinema i Drets Humans and Best Documentary at the Pan African Film Festival at Cannes.

The story of Camp 72 is told through survivors, alleged perpetrators and those working to rebuild Liberia. The main character, Gladys, was forced to watch the brutal murder of her mother by a rebel fighter.

The same fighter held her captive as a sex slave for years. The nightmare started at an area Gladys refers to as Camp 72.

The film shows how today, Gladys like many survivors of the 14-year civil war is trying to rebuild her life and come to terms with the fact that no one in Liberia has been prosecuted for their war crimes.

This documentary takes an unprecedented look at the country’s controversial Truth and Reconciliation process post conflict and why many accused perpetrators have been able to escape justice for their alleged war crimes.

Filmmaker, Seema Mathur said, "I have felt honored as well as responsible to share the stories many Liberians entrusted me with. It is my hope that the insight gained from both survivors and perpetrators of war can help move us towards a more peaceful world."