We Were Rebels

We Were Rebels is a 2014 German documentary film directed by Florian Volz and Katharina von Schroeder. The gripping feature-length documentary revolves around the life of its protagonist, Agel Ring Machar, a South Sudanese former child soldier turned rebel leader.

The filmmaking style is gritty yet heartfelt, capturing the reality of Agel's life as he traverses various stages of his personal and professional journey. Using a combination of archival footage and contemporary recordings, the filmmakers paint a dramatic, compelling, and, at times, the profoundly stark picture of a country ravaged by conflict, but still hopeful for change.

Agel Ring Machar is no stranger to the horrors of war. He was just 13 when he joined the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) to fight against the northern Sudanese government’s regime. Ripped from his childhood normality, Agel's story is a poignant representation of the countless children who were forced into conflict during the Second Sudanese Civil War.

Fast forward to We Were Rebel's timeline from two decades later. Agel Ring Machar, now around his early thirties, returns to his homeland from Australia, where he had escaped as a refugee and subsequently been granted citizenship. Upon his return, he's greeted by the realities of a country torn apart by the years of civil conflict. South Sudan became an independent state in 2011, marking it as the youngest country worldwide. Despite this newfound status, the nation is still in the clutches of political instability, ethnic conflict, and extreme poverty.

Agel, determined not to stand on the sidelines while his fellow countrymen suffer, takes up a high-ranking position in the government and embarks on his mission to help rebuild a new nation from the ashes. He has dreams of establishing a functioning system of governance, security, and infrastructure for his homeland.

Throughout We Were Rebels, the audience is offered close insight into Agel's character, his motivations, his emotional turmoil, and his unwavering commitment to advocacy for his people. The harsh realities of his time on the battlefield have shaped him into a seasoned soldier, but at heart, Agel remains an optimist, tirelessly striving to bring about political change and social improvement.

The camera doesn't shy away from the starkness of the situation, highlighting the struggles faced by the South Sudanese people. Yet, amidst the adversity, it serves to highlight the resilience of its citizens, who continue to rally and seek solace in their shared hardships and hopes for a brighter future.

This film's greatest strengths lie not only in its powerful narrative but also in its dedication to painting a realistic portrayal of South Sudan's political landscape. It carefully dissects the complexities and nuances of the socio-political systems at play, giving viewers an in-depth understanding of the context within which Agel operates. Simultaneously, the film delves into the aftermath of the civil war, shedding light on the lingering tensions and the daunting challenges South Sudan faces in its pursuit of peace and stability.

With compelling storytelling, We Were Rebels manages to engage the audience on a profoundly human level, allowing us to share in Agel's journey of courage, resilience, and unabated hope. The film invites a striking empathy for the characters who have experienced such dire circumstances and yet continue to harbor extraordinary resilience. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who fight, not for the sake of conflict, but for the pursuit of peace and a better future.

The multi-faceted endeavors of Agel Ring Machar— soldier, survivor, hopeful reformist— are lauded in We Were Rebels, showing us that despite the devastating history of conflict, the power of hope and determination can yield change. It's more than a historical insight into the Second Sudanese Civil War—it's a stirring tribute to the people who endured, fought, and continue to dream of a peaceful future against backbreaking odds.

We Were Rebels is not just a movie; it's an eyewitness account of one man's relentless pursuit to break the cycle of violence and oppression, and in its wake, gives birth to a new nation. The film succeeds in fostering engagement, eliciting empathy, and sparking a vital conversation about war, survival, and the power of resilience.