I first saw the trailer for WAR DANCE months ago on the Sundance Channel and couldn't wait to get my hands on it. Thank goodness for Netflixs, I had the pleasure of watching it this evening. It's an absolute must see, not only does it open your eyes and heart but also to the music within. During the movie I can't count how many times I caught myself bobbing my head to the beat and smiling, it's fantastic.
The film is a documentary, filmed in the remote northern refugee camp of Patongo. The film centers around 3 children from the Acholi tribe, Nancy 14 years old, Rose 13 years old and Dominic 14 years old, all of which are participating with their school in Uganda's Annual National Music Competition in Kampala in which all 20,000 schools of Uganda compete to represent their tribe.
Throughout the course of the film you come to learn of their lives, families separated, growing up in a war zone, prisoners in their own country. Dominic, a delightful and beautiful young boy who dreams of traveling the world playing music, said "it's difficult for people to believe our story but if we don't tell you, you won't know."
It's amazing the power and hope music can bring. I so loved the scenes when the children are performing and you've seen a glimpse of their story, the pain, the fear, the loss and yet, in these moments when the music is alive and well, their faces are as bright as any star in the sky. They all express the similar thought that music has the ability to make everything become great, they say even war can't take it away.
I've been inspired by their story and impressed by the humble sanctuary they've found. How brilliant their young hearts are, brave and hopeful in music's dance.
