WOW FILM FESTIVAL: SHADOW WORLD | FILM REVIEW
Based on the book by Andrew Feinstein, a former member of the South African Congress who left after pleas for an investigation into the South African Arms Deal were ignored, Shadow World is a terrifying and timely expose on the global political corruption that has lead to mass weapon production, war and death for the sake of millions of dollars worth of bribes.
Johan Grimonprez’s efficient and effective documentary may not be particularly shocking to some, with its stories of dodgy politicians and unnecessary wars sadly becoming a thing of common knowledge, but there’s no denying the sheer power of some its imagery that includes, amongst others, pictures of children being injured as a result of drone warfare.
Still, I personally didn’t think it at any point told me something I didn’t already know – although I was at no point bored in any way – but the way in which the film presents the facts and its central argument is perhaps the best thing about it.
The film largely presents the information through, what has to be said, are some absolutely brilliant talking heads. Highlights include Riccardo Privitera, an arms dealer who proudly boasts about arranging prostitutes for politicians who he also calls prostitutes, as well as the poetic and well-spoken Chris Hedges, a former correspondent of The New York Times, who speaks to eloquently about the issue. But what really elevates the whole thing, is the way in which Feinstein goes further than the facts and manages to create something that is emotionally engaging.
Opening with this story of the 1914 Christmas truce at no man’s land, the introduction does a fantastic job of raising the central message of Shadow World: a message of love. Grimonprez seems to suggest that the only solution to all the madness, the constant killing, is something as simple as showing love and kindness to our fellow man, rather than give into greed and selfishness.
As Hedges says himself at one point, it’s all about finding “the power of love to transcend time”, a beautiful statement that we could all do with reminding of in these dark days. And it’s this statement of pacifism that, in and of itself, away from the film’s heartbreaking imagery and superb interviews, makes Shadow World well worth your time and attention.
Shadow World will screen at 7pm on Thurs 23 Mar at Small world Theatre, Cardigan, and on at 8.15pm on Fri 24 Mar at Aberystwyth Arts Centre. Info: www.wowfilmfestival.com
words JOE RICHARDS