HEADLINE: DOCUMENTARY FILM ON COUNTRY MAKES 'OSCAR' SHORTLIST
DATE: 20 November 2008
SOURCE: All Africa © 2008

Pray the Devil Back to Hell is the extraordinary story of a small band
of Liberian women who came together in the midst of a bloody civil war,
took on the violent warlords and corrupt Charles Taylor regime, and won
a long-awaited peace for their shattered country in 2003.

As the rebel noose tightened upon Monrovia, and peace talks faced
collapse, the women of Liberia - Christian and Muslims united - formed
a thin but unshakable white line between the opposing forces, and
successfully demanded an end to the fighting- armed only with white
T-shirts and the courage of their convictions.

In one remarkable scene, the women barricaded the site of stalled peace
talks in Ghana, and announced they would not move until a deal was
done. Faced with eviction, they invoked the most powerful weapon in
their arsenal - threatening to remove their clothes. It worked.

The women of Liberia are living proof that moral courage and
non-violent resistance can succeed, even where the best efforts of
traditional diplomacy have failed.

Their demonstrations culminated in the exile of Charles Taylor and the
election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first female head of state,
and marked the vanguard of a new wave of women taking control of their
political destiny around the world.

This remarkable chapter of world history was on its way to being lost
forever. The Liberian war and peace movement were largely ignored as
the international press focused on Iraq. Moreover, the women's own
modesty helped obscure this great accomplishment.

Pray the Devil Back to Hell reconstructs the moment through interviews,
archival footage and striking images of contemporary Liberia. It is
compelling testimony to the potential of women worldwide to alter the
history of nations.

Can't wait to see it

it is out (i think). oprah's O december issue also has a feature on on of the members of the women advocacy group during that period.

I've been waiting for it to come to DC. I know the Ctr for American Progress held a screening but I was out of town.

okay

sounds like a nice movie.. i will ask the boot-leg pekin them in front the supermarket to hook me up

documentary on the women who used to sit on the soccer field. not sure they will have it yet..no matter how aggressive they are in their bootlegging

wow!!! i think da u and garfee connected to them in that kinda deep way o!

on yr holiday, we can do lunch...real bussing-US$5 or PA

Please when any one of yor get hold of this movie let me know yah.... can't wat to see 8. Just fews weeks ago BBC interview Lemah )( don't know if the name is spelt rite )- she was one of the strong advocates. They showed highlights when those women assembled themselves on the field in d hot sun at fish market.

When asked how did she feel in the presence of the foremr President, she said at the moment they did not see a Taylor when he was spoken to instead they saw the cries and sufferings of the Liberian people - those words touched me and stuck in my head

will contact leymah and see if she can help her sistas out

Dat will be gud Krazzy, will be glad