War has been a part of the filmmaking universe for decades. Both fictional and nonfictional films have used war as an effective backdrop. The Elephants and the Grass is a documentary about conflict ravaging South Sudan.
The film serves both as a history lesson and a story of individual perseverance. We see how the region, jointly ruled by Britain and Egypt decades ago in the ‘50s, has been subject to deceptive politics, civil disputes, and other conflicts. When the country became independent in 2011, these skirmishes persisted. Filmmakers Brandon Gulish and Beau Rosario present the conflict as a feud between rival tribes. President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and Vice President Riek Machar, a Nuer, attempt to bring a “unity government” to the people. However, the said government is over two years from fruition.
While on the outset a portrayal of a country in strife, Gulish and Rosario pivot to a mother and daughter trying to escape South Sudan to safety. Yasmin and her daughter Shamira flee their embattled village to safety in a Ugandan refugee camp. When you compare this mother and daughter, who have almost nothing, to Kiir and Machar, who are seen avariciously hoarding much of the country’s wealth, you immediately empathize with Shamira and Yasmir and root for them.
The juxtaposition is an intentional device by the filmmakers, and it is used to devastating effect here. Seeing the wealth of the ruling class vs. Shamira and her mother’s struggle really drives the point home. But there is room for hope. Many activists at what’s called Rhino Camp (where Shamira and Yasmin wind up) discuss what comes next in the wake of political upheaval. We see moments of levity, as many of these refugees are seen singing and celebrating despite their ordeal.
Elephants in the Grass works both as a personal exploration of a mother and daughter fighting for their lives while also detailing the broader reasons for this fight in the first place. Both stories are fascinating and offer a glimpse into a world many of us may not know about.
How can this documentary be used in classroom film screenings?
The Elephants and the Grass would be an impactful addition to both undergraduate and high school classrooms. In undergraduate settings, it can enhance courses on modern political struggles, global issues, and the consequences of war on non-combatants. The film's portrayal of the socio-political landscape and the human cost of conflict offers a vivid, real-world context for students studying contemporary global issues and international relations.
For high school classes, particularly in history and social studies, the documentary provides a valuable resource for understanding modern African politics and history. By highlighting the experiences of individuals and communities caught in political turmoil, it helps students grasp the far-reaching impacts of political instability and warfare. Additionally, the film can be used in discussions on governance and human rights, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex social dynamics.