One of the first feature films to come out of the civil war-torn country of Chad, this complex, nuanced drama particularizes the misery of war through the story of two childhood friends. Koni and Djimi live in the fictional Daresalam, which is ruled by an oppressive, thoroughly corrupt government. The extortion practiced on their rural village is reminiscent of that which became the impetus for Chad's tax riots of the early 1970s. When the village leader is wrongfully arrested, Koni lashes out at the officials, leading to all-out war. The friends join the revolutionary group, FRAP, and fight for communist principles, though the rebels are not without their disagreements and experience infighting of their own. Koni and Djimi eventually arrive at divergent political beliefs which tear them apart, leading one down a path of compromise, while the other retains a stubborn idealism, no matter what the cost. Director Coelo makes use of stunning landscape photography to paint a poignant, achingly beautiful tale, refusing to take sides in a multifaceted, sympathetic depiction of war, which manages to offer a refreshing glimmer of optimism and hope.

DVD Features:

Region (unknown)
Keep Case
Letterboxed - 1.85

Abdoulaye Ahmat: Actor, DARESALAM (2000)
Haikal Zakaria: Actor, DARESALAM (2000)
Gerard Essoma: Actor, DARESALAM (2000)

Issa Serge Coelo: Director, DARESALAM (2000)