L’Avocat de la Terreur 
(Terror's Advocate)

Friday, March 27, 2009, 7 p.m.

All showings are in the Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library Auditorium

Communist, anti-colonialist, right-wing extremist? What convictions guide the moral mind of Jacques Vergès? Barbet Schroeder takes us down history's darkest paths in his attempt to illuminate the mystery behind this enigmatic figure. As a young lawyer during the Algerian war, Vergès defended Djamila Bouhired, a freedom fighter who was sentenced to death for planting bombs in cafes. He obtained her release, married her and had two children with her. Then suddenly, at the height of an illustrious career, Vergès disappeared without trace for eight years. He re-emerged from his mysterious absence, taking on the defense of terrorists of all kinds, from Magdalena Kopp and Anis Naccache to Carlos the Jackal. He also represented historical monsters such as Nazi lieutenant Klaus Barbie. Barbet Schroeder follows the winding trail left by this 'devil's advocate,' while exploring the history of 'blind terrorism' and leading us toward shocking revelations that expose long-hidden links in history.

Director and Writer: Barbet Schroeder
Running time: 135 minutes
Production: France, 2007
Language: French with English subtitles
Rating: Not rated

Awards:

·         Best Documentary, César Awards (2008)