Carla's List

At the International Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia, a woman fights for justice – for the war criminals still on the run to be extradited. Her name is Carla Del Ponte, the chief prosecutor. Although terrible crimes have gone mostly unpunished, under Carla new hope arises. Carla’s List depicts scenes of confrontation and frustration as she tries to bring the perpetrators to The Hague. These moments sit side by side with the painful reality of the victims – many are still suffering, knowing that those responsible for the massacres remain free. Images of stark graves contrast with the affluence and comfort of high politics. Schüpbach’s investigative documentary highlights the problem of the apparent hero-worship of criminals in former Yugoslavia. We see how easily those in power succumb to these compelling personalities, perpetuating a blinkered view of the evil among us. But Carla and her team are hell-bent on justice. As the names on her list are gradually ticked off, you cannot help but feel that in their hands this justice is being, and will continue to be, won. (DOK.fest München)