New Documentary Filmed Entirely By Soldiers

A friend sent me some information about a new documentary called The War Tapes (view the trailer here). This film is a compilation of footage taken by three National Guardsmen over the course of their one year tour in Iraq. It is a very unique documentary about Iraq due to the inside look into the thoughts, experiences and dangerous situations in which the filming takes place. I am sure there is a good deal of footage that could get these soldiers into trouble with their employer (i.e. Department of Defense, President Bush et. al.).

There could also be some bias based on the source and context of the footage but I think the peace movement should be looking to embrace the soldier point of view. Not only is there a well established anti-war veterans movement but there are growing signs of dissent within the rank and file of the active military (see Appeal for Redress.org). A recent poll conducted by the military times shows that only 35% of active service members approve of President Bush's handling of the war, with 42% disapproving. An additional 47% believe that Iraq is not a part of the war on terror while President Bush has called it "the central front" in the global war (check out the poll results).


"In March 2004, just as the insurgent movement strengthened, several members of one National Guard unit arrived in Iraq, with cameras. THE WAR TAPES is the result – a uniquely collaborative film from a team that includes Director Deborah Scranton, Producer Robert May (THE FOG OF WAR) and Producer/Editor Steve James (HOOP DREAMS)."

Read more about The War Tapes

Posted at Thursday, February 01, 2007
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