2005, USA
Adventure, Documentary, Drama, History, Music, War
Music can be a comfort. It can evoke memories and reflect upon history, and it can remind us of what should never be forgotten.
Civil war engulfed Sierra Leone from 1991 to 2002, destroying families and towns and decimating nearly everything in its path. Rebels severed limbs at the slightest provocation, and the country's natives fled in fear. A band of six grew from the Guinea refugee camps that became home to those fortunate enough to escape and became Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars.
First-time directors Zach Niles and Banker White felt it important to focus on the victims, not the people fighting. "There is no depth to people's understanding of (West Africa)," Niles stated in a recent phone interview.
They wanted to give the people an opportunity to speak for themselves, without a foreign opinion interjected through narration. After the filmmakers performed music for a month throughout Guinea camps, they found their spokespeople when the All Stars joined them on stage.
In a testament to the musicians' strengths, they chose to rise above their troubles and create music for their fellow brothers and sisters -- broken families all, and all one family. They do not ignore their plight, but rather address it without denial. With no mindless love songs or attempts at distraction, the musicians find the truth to be a better salve.
Their fellow refugees do not want to be ignored -- they yearn for a connection. Through the All Stars' music, they find identity. Through the common voice, they express themselves out loud. And when given the opportunity to return to their home country after peace is declared (and war is declared in neighboring Liberia who needs the camp for their people), they turn to the band for an honest assessment of their future safety and prospects.
The documentary follows the band home to witness their reactions to the rebirth of Freetown and the band's attempt at creating their first album. This is not a wholly joyful trip. By returning to Sierra Leone, they must face past nightmares that scarred them physically and mentally.
All witnessed the deaths of friends and family, and many received violence themselves. Mohamed lives with the horrific memory of being forced to beat his own baby before his hand was amputated. Understandably, his emotions are overwhelming and limit his desire to return.
Yet despite tremendous tragedy, the All Stars discover joy through the community they encourage in their performances. Audiences from surrounding refugee camps inevitably dance and sing and find they can relate to these strangers.
Much like their music, the film successfully conveys a troubled history and yet is uplifting. The filming style is not intrusive, and text and news clips help relate the country's recent war history. Harsh realities are necessary for understanding the message, but hope lies in a healing future.
As guitarist Franco relates, "Sometimes we play, we forget away. You know we are traumatized so we got to be connected. When you connect together, you should have to forget a bit."
Released as part of PBS's "P.O.V." series.