Northwest Center for Holocaust, Genocide and Ethnocide Education

Reviews

Film- The Devil Came on Horseback Overview written by Jamie Daniels

In 2004, U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle was sent to Darfur, Sudan to investigate and report on the thousands of lives being destroyed all over the country. What he observed would change his life forever; innocent children, mothers, and fathers being killed by the hundreds right before his eyes. With no weapons and strict orders not to intervene, Steidle watched people die for 6 months before resigning and ultimately taking the evidence collected to the US to attempt to stop the genocide occurring in Darfur. (Devil Came on the Horseback, Break Thru Films)

Brian Steidle, was sent to Darfur as a military observer by the Department of Defense to take pictures and write reports on what was occurring in the small towns of Darfur. With minimal support from the U.S., most of Steidle’s time was spent talking with the victims of the Janjaweed tribe and receiving more information about their tactics and traits. Although the victims were gracious and welcoming, Steidle found himself in several dangerous situations; once being fired upon by tribe members of the Janjaweed, along with being held hostage for 3 days. Steidle wrote several reports, and directly sent them to his superiors at the Department of Defense. With no responses back, nor any acknowledgement of them being received. Steidle, angered by the ignorance of the U.S., resigned his term in Darfur, and came back to the U.S. on a mission help Darfur victims be heard.

The Devil Came on Horseback shows an enthralling portrayal of what Steidle observed while in Darfur along with the historical background on the Janjaweed and the poor victims of this genocide.  Steidle is the narrator, inserting personal and historical information throughout the whole film. Although journalists have been reporting on the Genocide in Darfur beginning in 2004, Steidle was able to get access to areas and regions unavailable to non-military personnel. Because Steidle was on a military assignment, he was allowed to enter locations Americans haven’t seen yet. Along with reports of the travesties that occurred, Steidle took thousands of photos of the devastated towns and people that the Janjaweed tribes set to fire. Steidle returns again to Darfur to receive more information and footage. However, the reports and photos Steidle took in Darfur are risqué, and his fear of being taken captive in Darfur only kept him there for a short amount of time before coming back to America once again.

Frustrated by what Steidle felt to be insufficient response by the American government, Steidle resigned and intensified his efforts to bring awareness to the tragedies in Darfur. Immediately upon his return, he attempted to meet with major representatives of the White House to get the information he had out to the public. Although many media outlets were interested, major parties remained ignorant and intolerant to hear the information Steidle had. Reports sent, photos shown, and attempted meetings with Condoleezza Rice, Colin Powell, and George Bush all failed, and Steidle was losing hope in the U.S. government. Realizing that the government wasn’t going to help, Steidle joined the “Save Darfur Coalition.” The advocacy group represents over 180 political, religious, and human rights organizations all to support an international intervention. (http://savedarfur.org/)

The film shows gives a dramatic picture of where the war in Darfur, Sudan is, and the upsetting realization that little has been done to stop it by the U.S. government and the United Nations.

For the Educator 

This film could provide teachers with many potential lessons and opportunities for discussion. Asking questions to students about the film would bring up controversial and interesting topics. Some of the questions might include:

·         If you were a journalist, how do you think you would respond to the events that Steidle saw?

·         What did you notice in the film that you didn’t previously now about Sudan or the victims in Darfur?

·         Looking at foreign policy and governmental affairs, who do you think should be held responsible for helping the Sudanese people in the United States?

·         We have seen genocide occur in several countries and throughout time. In your opinion, why do you think the genocide in Darfur has continued on this long?

·         From a journalist perspective, what positive contributions does having Steidle be the narrator in the film?

In an English classroom, this film could be used to examine the role of mass media in global politics. Teachers can use The Devil Came on Horseback  to discuss the traits of a a good journalist, journalistic responsibilities, and the importance of being able to use mass media as a tool to bring awareness to previously under-recognized social issues.

Although there are potentials to be gained from showing this film in a classroom, there must be some limitations. The writing style, language, and content of the film are strong and graphic. Using the film in a classroom only where mature, responsible, and educated students about the subject is strongly recommended. A senior world history class, civics, or an AP history class might be some opportunities to use this film. Using this film for any grades younger may cause a negative personal affect on the students rather than the intended purpose. The possibility of showing certain parts of the film is also recommended for teachers.

References:

The Devil Came on Horseback. Dir. Ricki Stern and Anne Sundberg. Perf. Brian Steidle. DVD. Break Thru Films, 2007.

 

Save Darfur. 18 July 2009 <http://www.savedarfur.org/>.

 

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. 13 August 2009. <http://www.ushmm.org/genocide/take_action/atrisk/region/
sudan/responses>

 

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