A lot of speculation has been made about whether the KONY 2012 movement is worth the hoopla.
MU students had the opportunity to decide for themselves at the campus premiere of the KONY documentary Wednesday in Jesse Hall.
The film was produced to spread awareness concerning Ugandan criminal Joseph Kony, the man responsible for attempting to start wars with the help of the Lord’s Resistance Army. The film advocates the end of coercing youths to join the military and also regaining a semblance of social order in the area of Uganda where Kony has tried to start conflicts.
The film gives first-hand accounts about the conflicts and the ploys to get children to join the army. Kony came into prominence in 1986 and carried on raids against the Ugandan people after that time. The film briefly discussed this as well as intersecting the director’s experience in Uganda and his search for justice.
The main plot of the film throughout its 30 minutes is the effort to capture and arrest Kony. The film also provides an abundance of evidence to convict him and displayed relatable real-world situations that serve as a reminder that every citizen deserves freedom — not coercion into violence.
Junior and former Maneater staff writer Amber Newman said the film not only will help her advocate against Kony, but also should make others aware of how to rally for equality.
“The Kony issue is something that has been relevant in all areas of the world and needs to be addressed further than just a film,” she said. “Hopefully it will assist others in stepping up and bringing those who cause problems in other countries to justice.”
The film is shot in an interactive manner, utilizing special effects and stylized close-ups that emphasize a fresh and youthful point of view in documentary filmmaking. One of the highlights is when Russell asks a child what needs to be done to Kony and the child responds, “Stop him.”
Freshman Briana Stone said the film style helped her understand the message of awareness and should be shown to other students in college and younger.
“Yeah, the film works really well because it showcases the story in a different, more modern way that we all can relate to,” she said. “I don’t feel as if I am in a boring theater with boring people who talk about Raisin Bran because the film is so interactive, which is why I like it.”
Kony was indicted in 2005 along with five members of the LRA, but has not be arrested. In 2006, he denied using child soldiers, stating during his conversation with the United Nations Undersecretary-General Jan Egeland that they have combatants, not children as soldiers.
