Returned: Child Soldiers of Nepal's Maoist Army
(Best Student Work, 2008)
Brandon Kohrt
29 min, 2008

This film depicts child soldiers returning home after the Maoist People s War in Nepal. The film examines why children join armed groups and explores ways to prevent future recruitment by following the lives of two girl soldiers and two boy soldiers. The children describe how they became associated with the Maoist People s Liberation Army during the 11-year civil war between the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists and the Government of Nepal. The children describe how poverty, lack of education, and gender and ethnic discrimination led them to join the Maoists. The children also express positive aspects of their association with the Maoists, such as respect from others, learning about politics, and helping their country. The children describe their feelings about being sent home by the United Nations after a peace accord was signed in November 2006. Some children express their belief that coming home is much worse than their experiences during association. They report the community discrimination and harassment they suffered back in their homes and villages. One girl describes how her family was so ashamed of her that she was forced to marry a man from a distant village who physically and sexually abused her. Other children describe how they are working with Maoist affiliated groups in the villages and awaiting their opportunity to rejoin the Maoists. This film weaves the voices of Nepal's child soldiers along with expert analysis and explanation provided by anthropologists, journalists, Maoist leaders, nongovernmental organization (NGO) workers, and members of the United Nations.

Robert Koenig
2277 Eastway Road
Decatur, GA 30033
404-295-3610
bobkoenig@gmail.com
http://www.nepaldocumentary.com
brandonkohrt@gmail.com