Liberia: America's Stepchild

Given the recent intervention of American forces in Liberia to help quell their long-simmering civil war, this clear, sharply observed documentary by Nancee Oku Bright deserves an especially warm welcome. Liberia: America's Stepchild covers the history of the West African country from its foundation by the American Colonization Society in 1821 as a homeland for freed American slaves through the election of rebel leader Charles Taylor as president in 1997. Combining narration by the filmmaker, interviews with scholars and diplomats, and newsreel footage, the documentary clarifies the tribal divisions, cultural distinctions between natives and immigrants, and economic problems that have troubled the nation from the beginning. But the most extensive coverage is of 20th century political events, particularly the period beginning with the long presidency of William Tubman (1944-1971), with the greatest attention given to the relationship between Liberia and the United States. Unfortunately, the film doesn't include a treatment of Taylor's rule, which recently ended with his forced departure from the country and the introduction of international peacekeeping forces. Still, it certainly succeeds in illustrating much of the poignant history of a nation that was created in idealism but has now descended into poverty, violence, and political chaos. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)