Blood Diamonds

Blood Diamonds uncovers the dark reality behind the global diamond trade and its devastating impact on several African nations. It reveals how these precious gems, symbols of love and luxury, have fueled brutal civil wars and human rights abuses in countries like Sierra Leone and Angola.

The film traces the journey of conflict diamonds from war-torn regions to international markets, exposing the complex network of rebels, smugglers, and corrupt officials involved in the illicit trade. It highlights how rebel groups, such as the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) in Sierra Leone, used diamond revenues to finance their violent campaigns, resulting in widespread atrocities, including the amputation of civilians’ limbs.

Through interviews with warlords, victims, and industry experts, the documentary paints a harrowing picture of the human cost associated with these “blood diamonds.” It details how millions of people lost their lives, were displaced, or suffered horrific violence as a result of diamond-fueled conflicts.

The film also scrutinizes the role of major diamond companies, particularly De Beers, in the conflict diamond trade. It explores how the industry initially denied or downplayed the issue before eventually taking steps to address it under mounting international pressure.

The documentary concludes by examining efforts to combat the trade in conflict diamonds, including the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme. While acknowledging progress made, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of these measures and the ongoing challenges in ensuring that diamonds are ethically sourced.