Armadillo is a journey into the soldier's mind and a unique investigation into the mythological story of man and war, staged in its contemporary version in Afghanistan. The film faithfully renders the soldiers' point of view but, in true vérité fashion, neither approves nor condemns what happens, allowing the ambiguities and contradictions of the battlefield — and the soldiers' evolving attitudes — to speak for themselves. This makes it an excellent springboard for discussion.
As an outreach tool, Armadillo provokes viewers to consider serious questions about the conflict in Afghanistan and war in general. How do you protect civilians when opponents don't wear uniforms and you can't distinguish allies from enemies? When is the presence of foreign troops more likely to exacerbate the conflict than keep the peace?
Download the discussion guide for Armadillo: