Peter, you have missed the entire message of this film. Music and art are some of the greatest proven therapies for victims of violence. Your review is sadly mistaken.

First of all, the supposed marginal Dance/Music competition is a highly important part of Ugandan (popular) culture–what I found out while researching many aspects of the movie/Uganda, various tribes in Uganda etc. If you didnt get that music and cultural identity/pride play a key role in helping these terrorized people heal and recover from unmentionable horrors, then, I dont think there is any hope for you-and please do not blame the documentary for your inabilities to connect facts. As a therapist (PhD) trained in psychology–the very moving component for me was when Rose and some others described participating in the competition as recognizing that they are so much more than just a people who are being systematically murdered and destroyed. They were able to re-connect to their music and cultural/ancestoral heritage, healing, connection to family, connection to the tribe as a whole etc.
I think the cinematography was nothing short of amazing. Have you ever been to Africa? I doubt it, otherwise you would not have described it the way you did. I have not, but the people I saw the movie with have (one is married to an African) and they live half the year in the States, half in Africa–none of them commented that the scenery or way of filming was “fake or contrived”. They have described to me over and over–the difference in how the sky, sunsets are in Africa–precisely the way they were portrayed in the documentary–so that took away from the film? Huh??

You are a prime example of what is wrong about America–instead of spending useless time blogging nonsense, get involved, go do something, anything, for someone else. Donate $10.00 even for more intruments. Maybe it will jolt you into learning more about the world around you. You are fantastically ignorant and callous. And I took great offense at your review. Your racism was especially apparent in your wording “Stupid music festival”– if you dont agree, that is one thing, but putting down a music festival?? Please spend some time educating yourself. I am embarrassed for you.

Being an artist, I was indeed touched and empowered to see a testimony of the undying strength of the creative spirit to bring celebration and hope. I have spent time in Mozambique during days of flood and devastation and saw the same thing…the power of art to help especially the children begin to dream again…its certainly not all these kids need but the way art can feed a spirit is real and I applaud this movie for trying to tell that story as well.

thank you.

In response to the following statement from the original review:
“If you want to feel bad about how the rest of the world may be living, this is the film to see. If you’re smart enough to realize that a golden trophy will never fix these kids problems, then you may prefer the next movie.”

I had the same reaction at first to a Ugandan project called “A River Blue” in which residents, mainly youth, living in Ugandan IDP camps were provided with art supplies and the opportunity to express themselves through music. How was this going to improve the quality of their lives when basic human needs weren’t being met?

Upon further reflection, however, and upon hearing the song the Ugandan children recorded (which you can hear at http://www.ariverblue.org), something occurred to me. Why is creativity and food for the “heart” suddenly less important for them? Are they any less deserving of experiencing the pride and freedom that comes with creative expression? Then it occurred to me that if ANYONE needed this type of experience more, these people who have lived and continue to live in devastating poverty and fear on a daily basis, and in many cases have experienced nothing else, deserved it most.

I can understand where the reviewer is coming from at first glance, but upon deeper reflection, I think it is patronizing to assume that people, souls, in life-threatening circumstances should be deprived of life-affirming experiences involving music, art, or any other creative expression experience. That, to me, is as important to quality of life as food and water. The dignity and pride that comes with it is more desperately needed in seemingly “hopeless” circumstances than anywhere else.

I am not denying the great necessity of food, water, shelter, and safety. But I also refuse to deny the importance of the soul and will to live in survival. For anyone.

Some proceeds from the film go to help these children. The filming is beautiful. The stories are incredible.

This reviewer has convinced me of only one thing: future movie reviews of his should be taken with more than a grain of salt.

For me at least, the film is not about the individual children’s stories nor about the dance competition. Rather it effectively conveys the theme of overcoming horrible events through a combination of the passage of time, hard work, and artistic expression (music and dance). For the very reason that their lives have been so hard, the music competition is not “insignificant” to these children. It is an important redemptive occasion which helps bring light to their darkness.

I also wouldn’t compare this film to a “Save the Children” commercial. I felt it humanized the children and bridged cultural differences in a way that many documentaries do not.

Speaking to Sean and Andrea while in our facility, everyone was marveling about the footage. Everyone. Point to any scene (the truck full of kids bursting through the dusty road) and ask how they managed that. Sean explains this particular shot as B-roll and the truck surprised him as much as anybody. He made a shot out of it. It’s a shame the reviewer doesn’t believe it but these people are just that talented.

They actually embarked upon a mission to tell the story of war torn Uganda and simply happened upon the music competition. They saw that as the better story and pursued it. Contrived? Hardly. That would warrant an apology from the reviewer but I’ll allow for the possibility that he doesn’t actually know the story. Before making assumptions, I’d recommend listening to very approachable Sean and Andrea about this trip over dinner. Your jaw will be on the table, just like ours was.