Rebuilding Hope: Sudan's Lost Boys Return Home

Jen Marlowe's documentary follows the journey of three young men forced to flee their homes in southern Sudan during that nation's bloody civil war. After resettling in the United States in the past decade as part of the so-called “lost boys” program, they all grew up to become well educated and successful young adults. In 2007, the trio returned to their homeland to learn the fates of their families and friends, and found their native country was still reeling from the devastation of the internecine conflict. Each young man strove to improve the lives of the Sudanese people: Gabriel Bol Deng, who began his new life in Syracuse, NY, arrived at his childhood village with plans to build a new school; Koor Garang became a nurse in Tucson, AZ, and brought much-needed medical supplies on his return home; and Garang Mayuol, now a Chicago resident, raised funds to help finance the drilling of new wells in his village, where lack of clean water caused cholera. Rebuilding Hope offers both a celebration of the American dream and a reminder of the continuing nightmare that afflicts Sudan, while the men profiled are inspiring figures whose humanitarian outreach confirms that seemingly ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference. DVD extras include a “making-of” featurette, an update on developments in Sudan, and extended segments detailing related issues, including the Darfur tragedy and the status of women. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)