Ezra
Ezra stands out among other African films because it is a complex psychological study of a child soldier, not just about the trauma, healing and reintegration into society, but also as a key for reconstructing these societies themselves. This drama was awarded the Grand Prize at the 2007 Festival Panafricain du Cinema à Ouagadougou (FESPACO), Africa’s largest and most prestigious film event, and selected for the International Critics Week at the 2007 Cannes Film Festival.
"The arming of children is among the worst ills of the modern world, yet we know little about it.
Ezra changes this - it gets into our heads and hearts fast with a raw and unforgettable account of war through the eyes of a child soldier."
Neil Boothby, Columbia University
"The film's great strength is its focus on the daily lives of child soldiers, avoiding stereotypes, telling a nuanced story. The complexity of the relationships between the characters makes this story ring true."
David Rosen, author
Armies of the Young: Child Soldiers in War and Terrorism
"Ezra is a raw, unflinching account of a young boy's abduction into a guerrilla army and his rapid descent into the brutality and madness of war."
Eric Stover, University of California-Berkeley
"Creates a deftly observed world and draws impressive performances from a young cast, bringing audiences into close contact with the life and mindset of a child combatant."
Sundance Film Festival
"A passionate, harrowing drama There is no denying the film’s power, or its frankness regarding the ongoing tragedy in Africa."
Variety
Ezra
Citation
Ways to Watch
Educational Streaming
Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals and Corporations.
Community Screening
Short-term use for small groups, organizations, or high school classes (under 100 participants, where no admission is charged).
Home Viewing
48-hour, personal rental for in-home use only, restrictions apply