CROSSROADS International Film and Discussion Series- "War Witch"

ABOUT THE FILM (PG-13; 90 minutes): Komona is only 12 years old when she is kidnapped by rebel soldiers and enslaved to a life of guerrilla warfare in the African jungle. Forced to commit unspeakable acts of brutality, she finds hope for survival in protective, ghost-like visions and in a tender relationship with a fellow soldier named Magician. Together, they manage to escape the rebels' clutches, and a normal life finally seems within reach. But after their freedom proves short-lived, Komona realizes she must find a way to bury the ghosts of her past.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS: 

Dina Solomon is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who currently has a private practice in southern New Hampshire. Dina has completed the Certificate Training Program at The Trauma Center at Justice Resource Institute in Brookline, MA. She uses a variety of methods, including EMDR, to work with children, adolescents, adults and families to resolve issues related to traumatic stress. Previously, Dina has worked in schools, residential treatment programs, group homes, and homeless shelters for adolescents. She believes unconditionally in the power of human beings to heal, transform, live joyfully and love. Dina is a Capoeirista, world traveler, yoga practitioner, and a mom. She lives in New Hampshire with her five year old son.

Jerold White is the President of the Board of Second Chance Africa.  He was born and raised in Monrovia, Liberia and completed his education at the University of Massachusetts and Cambridge College in Boston.  He has a Master’s degree in education with a concentration in Special Education.  He is currently the principal of a  middle school for students with social and emotional learning disabilities. He currently lives in New Hampshire with his wife and two children.  He is very passionate about the goals of second Chance Africa as it directly affects the productivity and overall resiliency of the country where he was born.

This 2013 Crossroads series is sponsored by the Mayer Foundation