A short documentary, told by the survivors of the August 7th bombings.
On August 7th, 1998, Al-Qaeda simultaneously attacked the US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania. These attacks affected thousands of lives and launched a violent path of terrorism that would change the world.
Trailer
August Seven: The East Africa Bombings (20 minutes) tells the story of five survivors. All experiencing the 1998 US Embassy bombings from their unique perspective. On the 20-year anniversary, these survivors share personal accounts of reconciliation, determination, and hope in the aftermath of unspeakable violence.
I was hired by the August 7th Memorial Park Museum and US Embassy in Kenya to create a short documentary for the 20th-anniversary of the August 7th US Embassy Bombings.
The film is part of a permanent exhibit about the attacks and currently only available at the museum in Nairobi.
Cast
Douglas Sidialo
In 1998 Douglas was a businessman working near the US embassy in Nairobi. He was walking to work when the blast blinded him forever. While in the hospital Douglas started a support group for Kenyan survivors. This would lead him to a career in extreme cycling. His accomplishments include biking the length of Africa, from Cairo to Cape Town.
Esther
At the time of the explosion, Esther was working across from the embassy in the Cooperative Bank Building. She was severely wounded and still lives with pain caused by her injuries. Esther struggled to raise her two young boys following the attack.
Ambassador Prudence Bushnel
Ambassador Bushnel let the US Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. At the time of the bombing, Bushnell was attending a meeting across the parking lot from the US Embassy. She was knocked unconscious by the blast and badly cut by flying glass.
Ambassador John E. Lang
Ambassador Lange led the U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, as Chargé d’Affaires during the August 7, 1998, terrorist bombing, for which he received the State Department’s Distinguished Honor Award for skilled leadership and extraordinary courage.
