Uma Incrível Aventura

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.

Africa United is a joyful, winning film that manages to entertain (people were laughing and crying in the theatre) whilst raising serious issues with a light, humorous touch. It's weaknesses (a slight amateurish quality and hurried pace) are more than balanced by its strengths. It looks and sounds authentically African and what it lacks in sophistication it makes up for with wit, charm and emotion. The slight madcap style is enhanced by the story within the story and a terrific soundtrack. In the end it gives a voice to young, black Africans and shows us an Africa few will ever get to see. It's being called the Africa Slumdog; but whilst it may not have the slick bravura of that film, it has more heart, humour and maybe integrity.

With a caste of brilliant young actors, this movie manages to walk the incredibly difficult tightrope between hopeless grim reality of life for many in Africa and the superficial heartwarming scenes of kids overcoming hardships.

The rhythm of the movie is perfect and the child's voice is authentically maintained.

I saw this at TIFF with 8 and 13 year old boys and 10 and 13 year old girls. They all loved it and want to see it again. The older crowd was equally enthusiastic.

This movie deserves the widest possible distribution. If I was still teaching high school, I would find an excuse to show it to everyone of my classes and try to get a screening for the whole school.

I loved every minute of this fantastic film! It is packed full of energy, passion and adventure brought together by an inspiring young cast and brilliant soundtrack.

As a former resident of Kigali and visitor to many of the places on route, I enjoyed the beautifully shot footage of stunning Africa and felt transported back to the energy of the places I visited and people I met.

The child actors were excellent, telling big stories with a striking honesty and simplicity. I laughed out loud at Dudu's one liners and wiped away a tear as George's story unfolded. A truly brilliant movie and one I will be talking about for a long time to come. My nephews will love it and my friends will love it, it is a film that spans the generations and offers something fun, engaging and insightful for everyone.

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.