War Witch

During a brutal civil war in sub-Saharan Africa, 12-year-old Komona is abducted from her village by a rebel faction. The warlord known as the Great Tiger leads this faction, marking the beginning of a traumatic journey for her.

As part of the rebels' horrifying initiation, Komona is forced to commit the unthinkable act of killing her own parents. This heart-wrenching moment steals away her childhood, plunging her into a life of violence and grief.

Komona is taken to a desolate island where other children like her are held captive. The rebels subject them to inhumane treatment, using them as porters, while training them to wield weapons for the chaos of war.

In the midst of her suffering, Komona receives a strange gift from God. After drinking tree sap, she begins to experience vivid hallucinations, which she later realizes help her endure and survive the attacks amidst the war.

The Great Tiger, intrigued by Komona's hallucinations, brands her as a 'child witch.' This label both repulses and empowers her, as it makes her visions valuable in the ongoing conflict.

During her ordeal, Komona forms a bond with a boy named Magician, who has albinism. Together, they share dreams of escaping the clutches of the rebel faction and finding safety with her uncle.

In a twist of fate, Komona learns that her uncle wishes to marry her. He promises to catch a rare white rooster as a means of winning her consent, leaving her both hopeful and conflicted about the future.

Her uncle succeeds in capturing the white rooster, a symbol of their engagement and a glimmer of hope for Komona. However, tragedy strikes as the commander from the Great Tiger's ranks discovers Komona's whereabouts.

As Komona is kidnapped once again, her beloved friend Magician faces a tragic end. His death devastates Komona, further darkening her already harrowing journey through war and loss.

Following her abduction, Komona is forced to become the concubine of the commander who kidnapped her. Despite her circumstances, she retains a glimmer of hope for her eventual freedom.

In a moment of sheer resilience, Komona retaliates against her captor by killing the commander. This act of defiance marks a turning point in her battle for survival and autonomy.

After escaping her captor, Komona embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with her uncle. Throughout her travels, she reflects on her past, haunted by memories of her parents.

As Komona's journey comes to a climax, she unexpectedly goes into labor. The pain of childbirth is intertwined with the memories of her lost childhood and stolen dreams.

In a bittersweet moment, Komona gives birth to a son during her escape. She names him after her beloved friend Magician, preserving his memory amidst the chaos surrounding her.

As she holds her newborn son, Komona reflects on her harrowing journey and the loss of her parents. She finds a sense of closure, vowing to honor their memory and navigate a better future for her child.