Pray the Devil Back to Hell

Posted on 10/16/08 6 Comments

Winner of Best Documentary at Tribeca, Pray the Devil Back to Hell recounts the courageous efforts of Liberian women to overcome dictator Charles Taylor and end decades of warlord violence.

Reticker, whose docus have all concerned women, presents the females’ calm visages and voices of reason in direct contrast to the unctuous public doublespeak of Taylor and the self-serving soundbites of the marauding warlords. Reticker’s film, enriching the already vast cinematic gallery of extraordinary African women, takes their innate power one step further, showing them quietly, determinedly putting a stop to the seemingly endless civil wars that are ravaging the continent and the globe. (Variety)

Thanks to jennybee for the pointing us to another outstanding documentary contender. What a cinema utopia we’d have if narrative feature filmmakers offered us the range and depth that documentarians explore in recent years. Trailer after the cut.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxEvsj80fsE[/youtube]

Various Apple encode sizes here.

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5 Comments

  1. 1

    Nick Plowman says:
    Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 11:49am

    I saw this, and it was pretty inspirational in the way that makes you cry a little, but not a lot because its just so life affirming. I cried, and I’m not afraid to admit it.

  2. 2

    Saltire Flower says:
    Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 1:23pm

    I really want to see this. I had been out of Nigeria for a few years when my country decided to offer Charles Taylor exile and I was disgusted with the entire process back then. We were very nearly the country that lost Charles Taylor, but I suppose in some way we helped Liberia find the peace it has now.

  3. 3

    friedl says:
    Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 1:58pm

    Sounds great.
    & ooh.. pretty posters…
    I stare for a while…

  4. 4

    jennybee says:
    Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 2:34pm

    I think the project looks just beautiful, and the posters, too. Likewise, this looks like it right up the Academy’s alley. Anyway, I’m ready to see it.

    And if it comes here to the Bible Belt, the title alone will ensure it gets some above-average documentary box office.

  5. 5

    Sam Juliano says:
    Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 2:34pm

    I must say that largely in view of Nick Plowman’s emotional reaction as well as Jenny Bee’s ceaseless promotion (not to mention Ryan’s intense interest based on this very thread) I don’t know if there’s another film I am more excited about this year. In a year that will forever be remembered for its documentary-prowess, this may reign on the top of the heap.

    Great posters!

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