Film about crisis in Darfur found audience in E.B.

On a recent Sunday, more than 200 local residents came out on a snowy, winter evening to see a movie at the Mega Movies cinema on Route 18 in East Brunswick.

Unlike the other movies being shown that evening, this one had no commercials, no star power and no big budget to lure moviegoers. Instead, what beckoned people to the cinema that night was solely the subject matter.

The movie, a documentary about the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Darfur, was made by three very brave and dedicated independent filmmakers, one of whom, Aisha Bain, was present to discuss the film.

Thanks to the enormous effort by Leslie Klein, co-founder of the Committee on Conscience of New Jersey (Co-C-NJ), and Joseph Denicola of the Mega Movies cinema along with the East Brunswick Interfaith Clergy Association, this movie was publicized by local newspapers, places of worship and word of mouth.

As a concerned citizen as well as a co-founder of the Co-C-NJ, I was heartened to see the mix of ages and ethnicities that came out to attend this powerful film. It was also inspiring to be reminded that when individuals work together, they have the ability to inform and motivate others to embrace their cause.

There is no shortage of worthy causes one can get behind, and for various reasons, we all have our favorites. One cause, which as fellow human beings we must all actively support, however, is protecting our own people from genocide. The people of Darfur have been enduring a genocide that is now going into its fourth year. Our government and the rest of the world have done much in the way of "talking the talk" but shamefully little in the way of "walking the walk."

It would be naive to think that this tragic war will be resolved anytime soon. The achievement of this beautiful and painful film finding its way to a concerned audience of fellow New Jersey residents, however, is that it brought a much-needed sense of optimism and empowerment to a longstanding genocide.

Stephanie K. Stern

East Brunswick