Sri Lankas Killing Fields recycled hadnt we seen it all?

? Two years ago in June, Channel 4 broadcasted a shocking documentary. The film, directed by Callum Macrae, was almost entirely made out of extremely distressing amateur footage depicting the gruesome horrors of the Sri Lankan civil war in 2009. Presented by Jon Snow, Sri Lankas Killing Fields became known as one of the most graphic and disturbing documentaries in British television history. A year later, a follow up film was broadcast which reiterated in more detail the evidence of war crimes, torture and rape by the military. This time the programme also presented a case against the Sri Lankan government, following an apparent lack of action from the international community to hold those in charge to account. Now, another year on, very little has changed. But after already having done two 50-minute documentaries on the same topic, by the same director, is it too cynical to ask whether we have already seen it all? A meticulous and chilling expose of some of the worst war crimes and crimes against humanity of recent times This new feature length film called No Fire Zone - Sri Lankas Killing Fields, is once again directed by Macrae, but without direct involvement from Channel 4. The documentary features similar story lines from the other two programmes, as well as many of their characters. In fact, there are big chunks of the exact same material used from the predecessors, which for some will feel like a bit of a dj vu experience. The graphics have been given a facelift, but some quotes are simply copied and pasted in, and much of the same amateur images are shown. The film starts with the day a group of UN peace keepers were forced to leave Tamil Tiger territory. What follows is the chronological account of a 138-day civilian massacre orchestrated by the government military forces an accusation which to this day has been vigorously denied by the president despite overwhelming evidence. This time there is a very prominent role in the film for the controversial President Mahinda Rajapaksa now in his 8th year in power and his brother, Gotabaya Rajapaksa the defence secretary. According to the evidence in the film, they were directly in charge of the civilian massacre and were well aware of the horrendous war crimes. The account of how the war progressed is very detailed, giving a clear idea of what happened. After further verification we now also find out some of the stories behind the faces in the amateur footage. It shocks, it informs, and it changes minds. But only if people go on seeing it However, the story remains the same, did we really need this new instalment by Macrae? It is shocking, gruesome and uncomfortable to watch, factors only enhanced by the measured pace of the film. Although the film is more detailed and brings the story up to date, there is very little new material compared to the previous films. But that doesnt mean you shouldnt watch it.

The film is clearly aimed at people who have not seen the first two documentaries, but even if you have, this story is too important to die out. So far there has been very little action against those responsible for the crimes against humanity in Sri Lanka. This film is desperately trying to rectify that. Watch this story, and watch it again and get angry at what has been done to those thousands of Tamil civilians. Only then will anyone take action against Rajapaksa and those involved. And until that time, Macrae better be prepared to make a new Sri Lankas Killing Fields documentary every year.