An extraordinarily powerful and original film, The Devil Came On Horseback (2007) exposes the genocide taking place in Darfur, as witnessed by an American observer who has since returned to the U.S. to draw international attention to the ongoing tragedy. Using the exclusive photographs and firsthand testimony of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle, the documentary takes the viewer on an emotionally charged journey into the heart of Darfur, Sudan, where an Arab-run government is systematically executing a plan to rid the province of its black African citizens. As an official military observer, Steidle had access to parts of the country that no journalist could penetrate. Ultimately frustrated by the inaction of the international community, Steidle resigned and returned to the U.S. to expose the images and stories of lives systematically destroyed. Annie Sundberg and Ricki Stern’s film allows us to witness Steidle’s transformation from soldier to observer to witness and, finally, to passionate activist and moral hero.
Coop member Jerry Risius is a three-time Emmy-nominated Director/DP, with two nominations as Director, for Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations “Beirut” (2007) and his independent breakout documentary, Storm Lake (2022). He’s also been nominated as Cinematographer for Parts Unknown: Anthony Bourdain “Lagos” (2018). His clients include: PBS (Independent Lens, POV, NOVA, Frontline, etc.), HBO, Netflix, Amazon, Showtime, among others. He lives in Brooklyn with his wife and dog.
This documentary will be screened on Zoom, using this link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86972786016, on Wednesday, May 8 @ 7pm. Jerry will be present for a Q+A after the screening.
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