On The Border (2000)

2000. 45 minutes. Zimbabwe. Directed by Tsitsi Dangarembga. Documentary. Purchase: USD$275/Rental: USD$85

The documentary explores the human tragedy caused by the widespread use of land mines in warfare. Children are especially susceptible to being maimed or killed by stepping on anti-personnel weapons buried during military conflicts many years ago. This documentary is a case study of the problem, focusing on the present efforts to de-mine the border areas in northeastern Zimbabwe, where more than 20 years ago mines were planted by the white government of Rhodesia to prevent guerrilla attacks from Zambia. The video documents the dangerous work of the Zimbabweans and foreign nationals who enter the minefields to explode buried munitions, and shows the efforts of the National Mine Clearance Squadron to educate the local populace, especially children, about the dangers involved.