The Ambassador to Sudan states that there is no genocide in his country.
In fact, in the documentary film - "Darfur Now", he boldly alleges that the idea is a myth created by politicians in the United States to land black votes.
In a matter of minutes, though, those absurd notions are quickly put to rest as the tragedy in Darfur unfolds on screen.
Villages have been looted and burned, women have been raped, and children murdered mercilessly at the hands of the Janjaweed (known as the "Devil on Horseback") and all is sanctioned by the Government of Sudan.
Accusers say Sudan's government is guilty of "ethnic cleansing" and crimes against humanity.
Likewise, "The Human Rights" watch accuses government-backed Arab militias of systematic attacks on black Sudanese peasants and government forces of starving black Sudanese to death in concentration camps.
On the heels of these reports, the United Nations has alleged that the government and the militias (the Janjaweed) have systematically starved refugees under their control.
More than seven million of the world's nearly twelve million refugees have been confined to camps, special settlements, or other conditions in which their basic human rights have been denied for ten years or more, according to the 2004 World Refugee Survey released by the U.S. Committee for Refugees (USCR).
Without doubt - it's a complex situation fraught with unnerving truths, sinister characters and enough mysteries - to satisfy any amateur sleuth pining for closure.
In this stirring documentary, the filmmakers engage in an admirable effort to lay bare any uncertainties, with the specific aim of exposing the corrupt underbelly of an ugly all-powerful criminal regime in control.
And, the filmmakers accomplish the task in a novel potent way.
With great insight, the camera focuses on six different individuals from inside Darfur and around the globe who are involved in bold-faced efforts to throw a searing spotlight on the tragedy in Sudan.
These brave activists consist of a Darfurian woman who becomes a rebel, a Chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, a focused United Nations worker, and a justice-seeking UCLA graduate with ties to Sudan.
In the process, the producers unmask a noble truth:
One person can bring about a difference to millions in the scheme of things.
It only takes one foot to step forward to start effecting real change.
A thread of the intricate tapestry which is Darfu - unravels - as one man (the head prosecutor at the International Criminal Court) begins an investigation into the alleged atrocities with the specific aim of bringing the responsible culprits to justice.
With a pervading sadness - the Official recalls the criminal proceedings in his own homeland (Argentina) - where corrupt officials were brought to trial.
Those humble beginnings in that heady historical era ended up forging a foundation for his life's work ahead.
When frustrated reporters quiz him as to why the wheels of justice are turning so slowly - and hint that there appears to be a failure to bring the evil-doers before the court for speedy prosecution - he is crestfallen.
Bottom line - he'd like to surge ahead - but understands from past litigation that an airtight case backed with solid indisputable evidence - is the key.
Then, the tale shifts to a U.N. worker and his frustrations in dealing with mounting problems on the battlefront.
Although the "World Food Project" delivers tons of food daily, the shipments are often hijacked by the Janjaweed, stolen, or kept from the mouths of the hungry and the needy.
At times, he feels as if he is just spinning his wheels.
There must be action, now!
The filmmakers proceed to expertly weave into the tale the quest of two men - who hatch up the idea (out-of-frustration really) to hit Sudan where it hurts most - in the pocketbook.
The dedicated duo commence with the arduous task of organizing a petition and gathering signatures with the ultimate aim of introducing a "Bill" in California for the "Divestment of Funds" (pension monies) from Sudan.
Meanwhile, the story shifts to the countryside, where a handful of rebels - rest, perch in trees and hide behind rocks - at the ready to hold back the Janjaweed, if necessary.
The intense fearful talk drifts to lofty ideas.
The villagers imagine what it will be like when the "white people" come. Ah, they envision paved roads, electricity, and the creature comforts of a home.
All manner of manna from heaven.
Until then - rag-tag members of the Woman's Union vow to fight for their lives and for Darfur - as ubiquitous automatic rifles protrude from their laps.
With suppressed smiles, they recall a day when there were orchards and lush gardens, and plenty for all.
Darfur had been a virtual Garden of Eden, but was thrown asunder for some inexplicable reason.
Don Cheadle, one of the producers for the gripping documentary argues,
"If all the people who call up American Idol each week also rang up the Government and protested," he asserted, "Some legitimate action would be underway today."
As he stood on the sidelines - the Ambassador to Sudan - taunted the filmmakers by boasting that the protests of outsiders would fall on deaf ears and that rebels fighting his regime would be pushed back.
"The Government has a monopoly on violence," he remarks matter-of-fact.
But, near the end of the documentary, there is good news.
The "Bill" to divest investments in the Sudan has not been vetoed by the Governor.
In one of the few humorous scenes in the movie - Schwarzenegger strides out - and strikes up some idle talk with Don Cheadle.
"I've never seen you in a suit. You look good," - something to that effect.
In another scene, Hillary Clinton steps into a meeting room looking for-all-the-world like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car.
Will she inherit this legacy?
Is that why she's being cautious?
With a flourish, Schwarzenegger signs the "Bill", and it is introduced into Law in the State of California.
To add to the joy of the tireless workers - the two political figures responsible for the heinous crimes are finally indicted and named as defendants - to be arrested and prosecuted at trial in the Hague.
But, the Ambassador is resolute.
The two political bag men will never be turned over to authorities, he assures the filmmakers.
At the close of the movie - it's evident the "heroes" of this documentary have impacted the Sudanese horrors - significantly.
But, life (and death) goes on in Darfur.
"Unless this criminal conduct is stopped," says one political insider, "The rest of the world will be like this in twenty-five years."
The price of apathy, perhaps?
Henri Frederic Amiel once noted,
Truth is not only violated by falsehood; it may be equally outraged by silence.
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