War Witch

Rebelle (2012 film)

War Witch
Directed by	Kim Nguyen
Written by	Kim Nguyen
Produced by	Pierre Even
Starring	Rachel Mwanza
Cinematography	Nicolas Bolduc
Edited by	Richard Comeau
Music by	Bertrand Chénier
Production company	Item 7
Distributed by	Metropole Films
Release date	February  17, 2012 (2012-02-17) (Berlin International Film Festival)
Running time	90 minutes
Country	Canada
Language	French
Budget	$3.8 million
Box office	$1.1 million

War Witch (French: Rebelle) is a 2012 Canadian drama film written and directed by Kim Nguyen. The film stars Rachel Mwanza as Komona, a 12-year-old girl who is forced to become a child soldier in an unnamed African country.

Plot

The film follows Komona, a young girl who is abducted by rebel forces and forced to become a child soldier. She is given the title of "War Witch" by the rebel leader after she seemingly exhibits supernatural abilities. The story explores her struggles, survival, and the relationships she forms along the way, particularly with a fellow child soldier named Magician.

Cast

• Rachel Mwanza as Komona
• Alain Lino Mic Eli Bastien as Magician
• Serge Kanyinda as Great Tiger
• Mizinga Mwinga as The Butcher
• Jean Kabuya as Grandfather

Production

The film was produced by Pierre Even and was shot in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The screenplay was inspired by real-life accounts of child soldiers in Africa.

Release

War Witch premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 17, 2012. It was later released in Canada by Metropole Films.

Reception

The film received critical acclaim for its powerful storytelling and the performance of Rachel Mwanza, who won the Silver Bear for Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival. It was also nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Awards

• Silver Bear for Best Actress - Rachel Mwanza
• Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film (Nomination)

See also

• List of Canadian films
• Child soldiers in Africa
• Berlin International Film Festival