War/Dance
USA/Uganda, 2007, 105 mins
Director: Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine
8:00pm, Thu, Nov 1
at Paramount
Festivals
- "Documentary Directing Prize" at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival
Description
It is difficult to believe our story, but if we don't tell you, you won't know.'
A powerful, emotionally-charged and exquisitely shot documentary about the resiliency of the human spirit, WAR/DANCE tells the story of a group of extraordinary children
who live in a displaced persons camp in northern Uganda, a country ravaged by more than two decades of civil war. Their families torn apart, their homes destroyed, and their
innocence lost, these children, orphans and escaped or former child soldiers, are overwhelmed by the brutal realities of their lives. But the horrific memories of their wartime
experiences and the rigours of their daily struggle for survival are mitigated by their involvement in music and dance classes in the refugee camp where they reside, called
Patongo. The student's talent, dedication, and enthusiasm qualify them for an unprecedented invitation to participate in a prestigious musical and dance competition in northern
Uganda's capital. The stunning contrast between the terrifying world of war and the joyful world of music and dance is beautifully chronicled by award-winning filmmakers Sean
Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, whose potent, evocative, and revelatory documentary illustrates the transformative powers of art. WAR/DANCE is an extraordinary cinematic
accomplishment, shot and projected in stunning, state of the art, HD.
Following the screening Lieutenant-Commander Pierre Comeau of C.F.B. Edmonton will speak about his experience as a Canadian representative to the United Nations' initiative to end child soldiering. L.Cdr. Comeau has served in this capacity in the Peoples' Republic of Congo and in Ghana.
Sponsored by:
