We Women Warriors

We Women Warriors focuses on the violence threatening indigenous peoples of Colombia, centering on three women—Doris, Flor, and Ludis—who organize in their small villages and campaign together for peace. Caught in the fighting between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia and rebel guerrillas, native villagers have been accused of crimes against the government and imprisoned or executed, or driven from their communities, with the end result that some groups are now facing possible extinction. Tribal leader Doris has worked to protect refugees fleeing the conflict, speaking before local gatherings and appearing nationally to call attention to their plight. She also meets with coca growers—dependent on the drug trade for their livelihood—who argue that if the government provided the infrastructure they would produce and sell other crops. Flor, also a tribal leader, explains how the present conflict is financed by drugs. Ludis worked as a cook for the local police, and then was accused of conspiring in the deaths of 15 policemen and spent a year in prison. For the most part, filmmaker Nicole Karsin lets the trio tell their stories in their own words, occasionally supplementing their personal accounts with official news reports and archival footage. A powerful, well-made overview of a tragic situation, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)