The Devil Came on Horseback 2007

An extraordinarily powerful and uniquely original film, THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK exposes the heart-wrenching tragedy unfolding in Darfur as experienced through the eyes of an American witness who has returned to the United States to take meaningful action against it. Through the exclusive photographs and compelling first-hand accounts of former U.S. Marine Captain Brian Steidle, this documentary takes the audience on an emotionally charged odyssey into the depths of Darfur, Sudan. Here, an Arab-led government is ruthlessly carrying out a systematic plan aimed at eradicating the province’s black African citizens.

As a military observer, Steidle had unparalleled access to areas of the country that were otherwise unreachable by journalists. However, this unique vantage point could not shield him from the frustrations that arose from the inertia of the international community in the face of escalating human rights violations. Ultimately disillusioned by the inaction of global powers, Steidle made the bold decision to resign and return to the U.S. Armed with harrowing images and the poignant stories of lives that had been systematically torn apart, he embarked on a quest to expose the truth.

This documentary, directed by Sundberg and Sterns, provides a vivid portrayal of Steidle’s evolution—transitioning from a soldier to an observer, then to a witness, and ultimately transforming into a passionate activist and moral hero. The film enables viewers to deeply comprehend the relentless struggle faced by the people of Darfur and illuminates the importance of bearing witness to such a tragedy. With its powerful imagery and emotional depth, THE DEVIL CAME ON HORSEBACK stands as a crucial reminder of our shared responsibility to acknowledge and respond to suffering that persists in silence.