In Sauti—which means "voice" in Swahili—Gayle Nosal profiles five young women who came to Uganda’s Kyangwali Refugee Camp as children. Now approaching adulthood, they are working to make their dreams for a better life a reality. The quintet—Favourite, Peninah, Beatrice, Betty, and Napona—come from various troubled countries (Rwanda, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo) and differing circumstances (some are orphans, while others arrived with relatives they must help care for). All, however, face the challenge of completing their secondary education in the camp and passing the required examination that will allow them to continue their studies. Made between 2013 and 2016, the documentary employs on-the-fly footage and substantial interview segments, along with the girls’ drawings and written thoughts, to capture their triumphs and disappointments as they struggle to overcome illness, seek resettlement in other countries (including the United States and Australia) with opportunities to study, and strive to make the rest of the world aware of the plight of refugees. The joint portrait affectingly conveys the resilience that these young women have shown under terrible hardships, while also serving as a testament to the camp volunteers who work to make a positive difference in the lives of those fleeing war and poverty. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)
Sauti (Voice)
(2017) 73 min. DVD: $35: public libraries; $250: community colleges; $325: universities. NeeNee Productions. PPR. Volume 33, Issue 6
Sauti (Voice)
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