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GUEST: Philippe Diaz, director of “The Empire in Africa”

With all the hype over the new Hollywood film, Blood Diamond, much attention is being paid to the war-torn African nation of Sierra Leone and the corporate ravaging of its diamond mines. But a new documentary, being released simultaneously, gives a different picture. The Empire in Africa, from Cinema Libre studios, is Philippe Diaz’ latest documentary focusing on the political history and current events in Sierra Leone through the voices of ordinary people, government officials and members of the rebel army. What most news media has focused on are the stories of amputee victims of the RUF, the Revolutionary United Front, a rebel group that has agitated for the end of foreign domination. In fact, Blood Diamond, according to Diaz, falls into the trap of demonizing the rebel groups. According to Diaz, the amputation stories have been greatly exaggerated, while the role of former colonial governments has been ignored. I spoke yesterday with Philippe Diaz about his documentary, The Empire in Africa, as well as his thoughts on the film Blood Diamond. During this interview we’ll hear a few excerpts from the documentary.

For more information, visit www.theempireinafrica.com. The Empire in Africa will be opening next Friday, December 8th at the Laemmle’s Grand 4-Plex, at 345 S. Figueroa Street in Los Angeles.