[Movies that Matter film screening] Theatre of Violence

The Asser Institute and Movies that Matter invite you to a special screening of the powerful documentary, 'Theatre of Violence' that takes place in The Hague on Tuesday, 9 December 2025. 

The film follows the landmark trial of Dominic Ongwen, a former commander in Joseph Kony's Lord's Resistance Army (LRA), at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague. Ongwen is accused of horrific war crimes and crimes against humanity. But there's a profound complication: Ongwen himself was abducted by the LRA at just nine years old, brutalised, brainwashed, and forced to kill. 

This haunting story raises questions that go to the very heart of international justice: 

This film is a vital look at the collision between international justice and local realities.  

Following the screening, we will host an expert panel discussion to delve into the complex issues raised by the film. 

The discussion will explore the phenomenon of child soldiers, the role of spiritual beliefs and cultural concepts of spirituality in the Ongwen case, as well as the victims’ perspectives on the crimes for which Dominic Ongwen was convicted. This conversation aims to deepen understanding of how trauma, belief, and justice intersect — and to examine how international law can respond to the realities of those most affected by conflict. 

Information of the panel line up will follow soon.