In the heart of Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, United Nations soldiers guard a heavily fortified building known as the “special court.” Inside, Issa Sesay awaits his trial.

Prosecutors say Sesay is a war criminal, guilty of crimes against humanity. His defenders say he is a reluctant fighter who protected civilians and played a crucial role in bringing peace to the country.

War Don Don tells the story of a sensational trial with unprecedented access to prosecutors, defence attorneys, victims and from behind bars, Sesay himself. His alleged crimes are extensive and appalling, but some of the testimony against him comes from cooperating witness who are among the worst criminals in West Africa. The witnesses are paid, and not all of the proceedings are captured on public video. Can the Special Court provide a fair trial? International justice is on trial for the world to see.

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Festivals & Awards

Winner

Special Jury Award, SXSW Film Festival, 2010
First Merit Prize, Taiwan International Documentary Festival, 2010
Cinereach Award, Human Rights Watch Film Festival New York, 2010
Karen Schmeer Award for Excellence in Editing, Independent Film Festival Boston, 2010

Nominations
Outstanding Coverage of a News Story, News & Documentary Emmy Awards 2011
Outstanding Editing, News & Documentary Emmy Awards 2011

Official Selection

Human Rights Watch Film Festival London, 2010
AFI-Discovery Channel Silverdocs Documentary Festival, 2010
Full Frame Documentary Festival, 2010
Mostra Internacional de Films de Dones, Barcelona, 2010
DokuFest Prizren Documentary Film Festival Kosovo, 2010
Movies That Matter Festival, The Hague, 2010
London International Documentary Festival, 2010
Taiwan International Documentary Festival, 2010
Camden International Documentary Festival, 2010

Reaction to U.S Broadcast Premiere on HBO, 29th Sept

War Don Don enjoyed a successful U.S Television Premiere when broadcast on HBO on the 29th September 2010. The U.S public took to popular microblogging site Twitter to express their enthusiasm for the film. Here are a selection of comments:

@chrispalm
Just spent a rainy afternoon watching War Don Don. One of the more thought provoking and educating documentaries I’ve seen in a while.

@thegr8_1
One of the more powerful documentaries I’ve ever watched: War Don Don.

@BlkWidow9
#NowWatching War Don Don. Just happened to turn to the most interesting documentary in a long time.

@EEKALYNX
watching #WarDonDon #HBO quite an interesting documentary.

@Martiannoelle
Can’t sleep, however War Don Don = Great documentary!!!

@aboutdocsguide
#WarDonDon on #HBO is a gripping must see courtroom documentary!

@punk_resist
Wow! People should watch this documentary. Its called “War Don Don” its about the rise and fall of the rebel leader in Sierra Leone. CRAZY!

@yogifresh
#WarDonDon… a must watch!

For similar titles in the Mercury catalogue, see:

Vlast (Power)

The Trial

Who Killed Chea Vichea?