War Dance (2007)

In the war-ravaged region of northern Uganda, a group of Acholi children - many of them orphans - living in a government-run refugee camp, use music and dance as a means to keep hope alive. Indeed, the youngsters are so good at what they do that their school was chosen as a finalist in the 2005 Kampala Music Festival, an event held annually in the nation's capital. Of course, before they can participate in that event, the kids and their instructors will have to safely navigate their way through the rebel-infested region that lies between their camp and their intended destination.The Oscar-nominated documentary "War Dance," directed by Sean and Andrea Nix Fine, tells the story of these children.In the camp, music has become a form of therapy for these traumatized youngsters, a means to help them come to terms with - or at least temporarily forget - the unspeakable atrocities they've experienced in their short lives, atrocities they recount for us in graphic and harrowing detail. In its "lighter" moments, the movie focuses on the children as they rehearse for the upcoming competition. Then it's on to the festival itself, where the children of Patongo sing, dance and perform their little hearts out, filled with suspense at the outcome, anticipation of taking home a prize, and pride in a job well done. And the sheer, unadulterated joy is palpable.As a study in contrasts, the movie presents us with both the best and the worst that humanity has to offer - the heartbreaking along with the heartwarming. And indeed, you would need to have a heart of stone not to be deeply touched by this film.

Like the Humane Society ads with Sarah McLachlan whining in the background, I was actually afraid to watch a documentary like this.But it was so incredibly, sensitively and beautifully filmed, scored and produced that I am speechless. It is IMO a damn near perfect documentary.The exposition of the stories of just three of the 50,000 children in the camp was skillfully done--but so, so real. I don't know how they got this footage from these children. It was obvious they were confronting their memories for the first times --in all three cases.But the nationwide music and dance competition was exactly what both the viewer and the children were in need of--relief from pain.I am in awe of what has been done here. I leave it with just one question: What can *I* do?

I saw War Dance when it was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. I shed a lot of tears and was awed at the resiliency of these children. Besides the devastating aspects of the film, it was also uplifting and brought a smile to my face. Simple things that opportune individuals take for granted made these children so happy. The cinematography was beautiful and symbolic. The children were lovable. Everyone should see this film as it opens our eyes to what others suffer and overcome. It helped me to realize how lucky I was to live in America and have the life that I have. The film also builds awareness and gives the viewer information on how they can help out with situation in northern Uganda.

I had the pleasure of viewing this film at Sundance, and it is phenomenal. Outstanding film making, and a compelling story that can only come from real life. My heart went out to the children, and I was incredibly inspired by their stories. Documentary film making at it's best. It won the Outstanding Director Award, and with good reason.What I found most compelling was how the film showed the resilience of the human spirit in the worst of circumstances. At the end of day, we all want to be loved and to contribute to our society. These children and their families rose above the atrocities of war to achieve greatness within their community and their country. They did it not because it was the "right" or "nobel" thing to do, but because it made them feel good and helped to wipe away their pain. A very important lesson for us all.