Screening – The Oath

The Oath is the story of two brothers-in-law, both of whom were close to the core of Al-Qaeda and notably,Osama bin Laden, and their journey into the frightening world of international terrorism. The film follows Abu Jandal, Osama bin Laden’s former bodyguard, and Salim Hamdan, a prisoner at Guantanamo Bay Prison and the first man to face the controversial military tribunals.

Filmed in Yemen and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, THE OATH leads the brothers through to 9/11, Guantanamo Bay Prison, and the U.S. Supreme Court .

This is a rare and eye-opening insight into the inner workings and day-to-day reality of Al Qaeda, and the subsequent ramifications of increasingly violent terrorist groups. This is a film adds a level of humanity to ‘the other side’ that will challenge you- it has a huge complexity that shows an aspect of the post 9/11 world rarely seen, but greatly needed.

 

2010
Directed by Laura Poitras
97 mins

Official selection Sundance 2010
Official selection Berlin 2010 

Awards
Sundance Film Festival, Excellence in Cinematography Award
True/False Film Festival, True Vision Award
Full Frame, Special Jury Award
Hot Docs, Special Jury Prize – International Feature
Edinburgh Film Festival, Best Documentary Award
Sarasota Film Festival, Best Documentary Award
Boston Independent Film Festival , Best Documentary Award