For many, the problems in Darfur, Sudan, seem far away. But Monday night, Bruce David Janu’s documentary, Facing Sudan, offered students a chance to observe and better understand the region’s turmoil.
Janu’s documentary, which was screened in South Campus Commons by Beyond the Classroom, reflects the contributions of a number of ordinary Americans toward the Sudanese conflict. James Riker, the director of the living and learning program, said the film provided a useful perspective for students by connecting their world with Darfur.
“This [film] was the one that showed individuals across four or five societies who could make a difference in their own way,” Riker said.
In the first part of the documentary, Brian Burns, a janitor and part-time graduate student, recounts his experience in Darfur. Burns, who had learned about Darfur after talking to a Sudanese person at his school, decided to save his money and go to a refugee camp in Darfur to learn about the conflict.
“They are the strongest people I’ve ever met,” Burns said about the children he met at the camp. “They know what it’s like to have community.”
About 400,000 people have been killed in Darfur — mostly women and children, according to the film — and nearly 3 million people live in Darfur camps after fleeing from their homes.
Freshman history major Amy Rappole said she has been following the situation in Sudan since high school.
“It’s a real draw to me,” Rappole said. “Maybe it’s my own insecurity in the issue that could help others.”
Junior sociology major Sarah Dobson, who had previous knowledge of the situation in Darfur through her minor in international development and conflict management, said she thought the documentary was very human-oriented. The film showed ways the average American could actually contribute to help refugees struggling in Africa, she added.
“It’s supposed to inspire you to do something,” said Dobson. “But it still leaves the question: ‘How can you make an impact?'”
Beyond the Classroom will be hosting a showing of the film, God Grew Tired Of Us, another documentary that highlights the Sudanese conflict, in 1102 South Campus Commons Building One at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5.
ga@umdbk.com
