Sadly, people both in the Global North and South deny certain truths. The truth I’m speaking about specifically is that Liberian dictator Charles Taylor committed genocide. Despite being in prison for a decade, he still strikes fear in the hearts of those who speak against the atrocities he committed.

Betrayal comes from documentary filmmaker Lena MacDonald. This documentary reminds viewers about these atrocities through the man who exposed him. That man is Cindor Reeves, who starts the story decades ago when he met Taylor.

Hard truths come across easy in Betrayal, showing a treasure trove of archive footage, but this footage reminds viewers of the lies Taylor tells, using global conflicts to his advantage.

Betrayal also makes its information easy to follow through Reeves, the camera capturing Reeves as he talks about his decisions being ethical ones. The film also uses maps, showing Taylor’s encroachment and tactics on its West African neighbour, Sierra Leone.

Reeves is a historical footnote yet a clear speaker, and the other interviews speak highly of him and how he helped the ICC. One of the interviewees is a journalist from the Washington Post, discussing how Reeves linked Taylor to al-Qaeda.

Reeves gave up so much of himself to help the ICC, making him a dangerous target. Despite the dangers he face, those in the West inadvertently separated him from the family he loves. Betrayal frames Reeves and Taylor as opposites but both wanting to return to their families.

Betrayal makes the choice of having its penultimate scene to sit down with those who defend Charles Taylor. The documentary captures their voices denying the signature punishment of amputating their enemies. An interesting choice sure, but they do point to how some dictators get more punishment than others.

Courtesy of Hot Docs