Children of War

What a powerful story of love, compassion and forgiveness. The artistic beauty of this film somehow manages not to distract from making a very personal connection. After seeing the film I could not help but think of how war has touched us all. I am not sure if we will ever see a time without war in the world and that is why I feel this film is so important. This film shows the healing process necessary for our survival in the aftermath of war.

I believe everyone should see this incredible documentary. I was deeply affected by this film and can't wait to pick up the DVD when it becomes available.

Children of War shows an uncompromising view of the Ugandan child soldiers coming off the battlefields and into the arms of the rehabilitation counselors. Unlike other forms of coverage of Africa, this film doesn't feel like an exploitation of their tragedy, instead the children themselves share their experiences as they come to terms with having to live with the atrocities that haunt them. Eloquently blending in the politics and core of the conflict with the children's stories, the film is more about the universal concepts of forgiveness and healing than a history lesson. Above all this is a masterfully crafted film, filled with heartrending surprises that should not be missed.

Children of War has captured my soul. This documentary has been one of the most educational ones I have seen. Not having known the extent of suffering perpetrated upon these children, I sure learned quite a lot. The subject matter is very heart breaking and informative. It's encouraging to see help is available for these children and they are able to exorcise the demons within with the help of a very loving center and people.

Bryan Single's dedication and love seeps through the screen… I wish the producers the best of everything and I definitely hope to see this documentary on the big screen, on HBO, on DVD, etc…

Thank you Mr. Single and crew for your passion and interest and thank you for sharing your experience and knowledge.

If you missed "Children of War" at the Artivist International Film Festival in Los Angeles, go to film's website or Facebook page and watch for any opportunity to catch it again. You simply have to see it. It was this year's winner of the Children's Advocacy Award, and with good reason. This independent film project was a clearly labor of love by Director Bryan Single, who stated in the Q&A that he spent 3 years traveling to Africa, living with the children at the Children's Rehabilitation facility that is the primary location for the film, and capturing their stories in the hope that by sharing their experiences, much needed assistance will be found.

The film is set in Uganda during the height of the ongoing conflict between the Ugandan government and the religion-based, militant terrorist group known as The Lord's Resistance Army led by Joseph Kony. Children of War provides sufficient history and background to enlighten viewers about the basis for the rebellion and the LRA's belief system, but does not dwell unnecessarily on the battle for control. It remains diligently focused on the real story, which is, of course, the children.

Children of War introduces us to three remarkable youths, kidnapped at an age when their greatest concern should be what will happen on the next episode of the favorite cartoon, who are instead forced to participate in and endure atrocities hardly imaginable. As heartbreaking as their experiences may have been, what happens next when they are rescued from the battlefield, enter the Children's Rehabilitation Center and the story begins to truly unfold, is remarkable. Simply astounding. This film eloquently captures both the worst and the best of humanity.