Films: Iron Ladies of Liberia

Iron Ladies of Liberia

USA, 2007, 77 Minute Running Time
Genre/Subjects: African-American, Documentary, Educational, Women's Issues
Program: Documentary Films
Language: English, Liberian English Subtitles

DIRECTOR: Siatta Scott Johnson, Daniel Junge
Producer: Henry Ansbacher
Editor: Davis Coombe
Screenwriter: Daniel Junge
Cinematographer: Daniel Junge
Principal Cast: Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Beatrice Munah Sieh, Antoinette Sayeh

After nearly two decades of brutal civil war, Liberia faces huge difficulties: a shattered infrastructure, crippling debt, rampant corruption and cronyism. It’s a nation desperate for change – and Liberian women are starting to make it happen. Directed by Coloradan Daniel Junge and Liberian native Siatta Scott Johnson, Iron Ladies of Liberia is an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at democracy in action – not to mention history in the making, as a determined group of female leaders facilitate the rebirth of their nation.

In November 2005, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf won a surprise victory over international soccer star George Weah to become Africa’s first elected female president. A former finance minister known as the Iron Lady, Sirleaf quickly appointed a number of women to cabinet positions – including the minister of finance, the minister of commerce and the chief of police. The stakes were high and the outcome uncertain – but their commitment never faltered. With incredible access, Junge and Johnson followed the Iron Ladies over the course of their turbulent first year in office, during which they faced challenges from all directions: corrupt political rivals went on the attack, angry mobs of decommissioned soldiers gathered in protest on the streets, and the international community mounted bureaucratic hurdles. Turning on such pivotal moments, this documentary presents an unusually redemptive chapter in recent African history – one that offers a new paradigm for leadership around the world.

In person – Daniel Junge & Henry Ansbacher

Sponsored by Just Media Fund

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