Watch Emmanuel Jal: War Child

Emmanuel Jal: War Child is a powerful and inspiring documentary that tells the story of Emmanuel Jal, a former child soldier turned musician and activist. The film follows Jal's journey from his childhood in war-torn Sudan, where he was forced to fight in the civil war as a child soldier, to his current role as a successful musician and peace activist.

The film begins by introducing the audience to Jal's childhood in Sudan, where his family was torn apart by war and he was forced to join the rebel army as a child soldier. Jal describes the brutal training he underwent and the atrocities he witnessed during his time as a soldier, including the death of his mother and the loss of many of his friends.

Despite these horrific experiences, Jal never lost his spirit or his love for music. He began rapping as a way to cope with the trauma he had experienced, and eventually found his way to the United Kingdom, where he began to pursue his music career. Through interviews with Jal and his friends, family, and collaborators, the film explores his rise from a struggling refugee to an international recording artist.

Throughout the film, Jal's music serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. His songs mix elements of rap, hip-hop, and traditional African music, and are infused with messages of hope, love, and peace. The film includes footage of Jal performing in concert, as well as interviews with his fans and collaborators about the impact his music has had on their lives.

In addition to his music, Jal is also a passionate peace activist. He founded the Gua Africa charity, which provides education and other support to young people affected by war in Sudan and other African countries. The film follows Jal as he visits refugee camps and other areas affected by conflict, and highlights the work he and his team are doing to empower young people and promote peace.

Overall, Emmanuel Jal: War Child is a moving and inspiring film that celebrates the power of music and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, there is still hope for a better future.

Emmanuel Jal: War Child is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.