Masters of War
ON APRIL 23RD, APRIL 30TH, AND MAY 7TH.
Masters of War – A film special on the impact of war
Organized by Filmhuis Den Haag & Leiden University College
As world leaders will soon gather in The Hague for the NATO summit, Filmhuis Den Haag and Leiden University College present Masters of War, a special film program exploring the profound and lasting effects of war on the world. Borrowing its title from Bob Dylan’s iconic protest song, this selection of films examines the brutality, absurdity, and human cost of conflict through different lenses—ranging from biting satire to raw documentary.
The program features three powerful, award-winning films:
The Act of Killing (Joshua Oppenheimer, 2012) – A chilling exploration of violence and impunity, this documentary prompts former Indonesian death squad leaders to reenact their atrocities in surreal cinematic forms.
For Sama (Waad Al-Kateab & Edward Watts, 2019) – A deeply personal documentary chronicling life, love, and motherhood in war-torn Aleppo, offering an unflinching look at the cost of war on civilians.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (Stanley Kubrick, 1964) – A razor-sharp satire that exposes the madness of nuclear warfare and Cold War paranoia.
Through these films, Masters of War invites audiences to reflect on the global consequences of violence and power struggles. Join us for thought-provoking cinema and discussions on the impact of war—historically, politically, and personally.
Films in this program
The Act of Killing (2012)
April 23rd
A chilling exploration of violence and impunity, this documentary prompts former Indonesian death squad leaders to reenact their atrocities in surreal cinematic forms.
For Sama (2019)
April 30th
A deeply personal documentary chronicling life, love, and motherhood in war-torn Aleppo, offering an unflinching look at the cost of war on civilians.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
May 7th
A razor-sharp satire that exposes the madness of nuclear warfare and Cold War paranoia.