Event

War Witch

Directed by Kim Nguyen
Starring Rachel Mwanza, Alain Bastien, Serge Kanyianda, Ralph Prosper, Mizinga Mwinga
French & Lingala w/ English subtitles
1 hr 30 mins, rated NR

Nominee, Best Foreign Language Film, 2013 Academy Awards
Nominee, Best International Film, Independent Spirit Awards
Winner, Top Five Foreign Language Films, National Board of Review
Winner, Best Actress, Berlin International Film Festival
Winner, Best Narrative Feature, Best Actress, Tribeca Film Festival
Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival
Official Selection, AFI Fest
Official Selection, Palm Springs International Film Festival

Komona (Rachel Mwanza) is only 12 years old when she is kidnapped by rebel soldiers and enslaved to a life of guerrilla warfare in the African jungle. Forced to commit unspeakable acts of brutality, she finds hope for survival in protective, ghost-like visions (inspiring a rebel chief to anoint her "War Witch"), and in a tender relationship with a fellow soldier named Magician (Serge Kanyinda). Together, they manage to escape the rebels' clutches, and a normal life finally seems within reach. But after their freedom proves short-lived, Komona realizes she must find a way to bury the ghosts of her past.