Africa United

This is not a blockbuster film with a mega publicity budget, but what attracted me to such an independent work was that the writer Rhidian Brook is the son of a colleague of mine on the UK's Communications Consumer Panel. I'm pleased that I made the effort to see the movie because it is original in subject matter and talent and refreshing in both content and delivery.

Everything about it is different from the usual Hollywood fare. The British director Debs Gardner-Paterson is fourth- generation Rwandan, all the central roles are taken by African children, and all the wonderful locations are in Africa.

Essentially it is a road movie with a bunch of kids determined to travel from Rwanda to South Africa in order to be at the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup. Although there is sharp dialogue and much humour, serious issues are touched upon, ranging from child soldiers to HIV/AIDS.

I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of 'Africa United'. Full of energy, humour, colour, passion - it kept me hooked from start to finish. I laughed many times, and ended with a slightly moist eye that I had to hastily conceal from my partner sitting next to me.

The film received a 5-minute standing ovation at the end.

I think first and foremost this is a family film. It's not a forensic study of Africa's social or political problems, nor is it a realistic portrayal of the everyday lives of ordinary Africans. Critics complaining about this seem to have missed the point.

It's a road movie about the passion and courage of young people. It's magical, like a fairy story. The fact that it's set in Africa enriches this sense of magic - and offers interesting opportunities to explore difficult issues in the context of a family movie. But it's not a commentary on Africa - it's about a group of young people who do something extraordinary in an extraordinary place.

The fact that it breaks film-making barriers in Africa (first feature to be filmed in Burundi etc), but keeps its focus firmly on drama and adventure rather than social commentary makes it a very unique 'African' film.

I will certainly watch again because it made me laugh and cry. And surely that's enough for any film, irrespective of where it's set.

Africa United is a fantastic film that all ages will enjoy. It doesn't shy away from tackling some of the real issues that face the continent, but encapsulates it in a terrific story with great humour (some real laugh out loud moments) and brilliant soundtrack. It not only provides for an excellent and entertaining film but the creativity of the direction and production really makes these issues accessible particularly to a younger audience. The film has received amazing receptions at both the Toronto and BFI film festivals and has been getting great press in the UK as it hits the screens this weekend. In my view it's thoroughly deserved as is its comparisons as the African Slumdog. I'm certainly encouraging everyone I know to go see this great film and hope you will too.

Great film, full of energy and colour from the start. Very unusual, not like other films, seems not to be in a mould. Great values of loyalty, friendship and courage in the context of horror and terror. The reality of life in the midst of warfare and corruption was very evident and yet the humour and the warmth made it entertaining and credible. It is the kind of film which children can enjoy because the story is simple and clear and yet there are depths which are profoundly moving for those capable of maturer insights. It is a good antidote to the slick and formulaic films around at the moment. It has heart, it is insightful and manages to be highly entertaining for all ages. Well done on a small budget.

I finally got to see this film on DVD last night, and i absolutely enjoyed it very much. It is about three Rwandan children who plan to walk 3000 miles to be able to be at the World Cup in South Africa. I found the scenery throughout the film to be really amazing to watch. I thought the kids acting in the film to be so good. The friends are a talented teenage footballer called Fabrice, Dudu who is a shanty dweller and Dudu's younger sister Beatrice who i thought were fantastic actors. They are making their way to hopefully get to a Pre World Cup trial for Dudu friend Fabrice in Kigali, They end up getting the wrong bus, so they must find a way to get to the World Cup in South Africa. On their way they meet an escaped child terrorist called George and also a waitress called Celeste who is being held captive. They both decide to join the others on the long trip ahead. I really loved the African music which was playing throughout the film which gave the film a great atmosphere. I found it to be a very enjoyable movie with some good laughs along the way: 8/10