Waco: The Rules of Engagement

On April 19, 1993, fire engulfed the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, ending a 51-day standoff and killing 76 people. The government said the group set the fire. This Academy Award-nominated documentary examines what happened.

Using siege footage, FBI negotiation tapes, Congressional testimony, and Davidian home videos, the film examines the catastrophic standoff between David Koresh's group and federal law enforcement. The documentary traces the ATF raid killing 4 agents, the 51-day siege, and the final assault. Through survivors, law enforcement, and investigators, it reveals political pressure, ethical dilemmas, and failures on all sides. Nobody emerges looking good.

A tragedy where everyone failed, documented through the evidence they left behind.