Based on the book by Polish journalist, author, and poet Ryzard “Ricardo” Kapuscinski, Another Day of Life is an animated docudrama re-living the story of the Angolan conflict as witnessed by Kapuscinski. Using present-day narration by principal characters along with the animated action in the feature film, Another Day of Life follows a Polish reporter intent on getting to the heart of the Angolan conflict.
In 1975, Portugal withdraws from its colonial holdings in Angola; the country is about to declare independence. With rich petroleum, diamonds, and other mineral resources, both the United States and the Soviet Union have an interest in Angola’s political outcome. Fighting for control are the MPLA (The Movement for the Liberation of Angola) supported by Russia, UNITA (The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola) supported by several groups, and FNLA (The National Liberation Front of Angola) funded by the United States and South Africa. As war begins, Portuguese nationals abandon the country; in Luanda essential services disappear and chaos and confusion reign.
Kapuscinski is a reporter for the Polish Press Agency responsible for fifty countries. Having reported on other conflicts in Africa, he wants to be in the thick of the Angolan conflict as he realizes history is being made with the end of colonialism. In Luanda, anarchy is everywhere. Kapuscinski sets up the office with a telex machine in Luanda and meets Arturr, a native Angolan of Portuguese descent who supports the MPLA. Soon Kapuscinski learns the action is on the southern front where General Farrusco is holding the MPLA line. Going against everyone’s advice not to travel south through the dangerous countryside, Kapuscinski sets out with Arturr to interview General Farrusco.
On the way, the journalists discover massacred bodies lying across the road. Soon the men come under attack by the FNLA, duck for cover by their car, and are saved by the MPLA and its charismatic guerilla leader Carlota. Not yet 20 years old, Carlota is committed to fighting for a free and independent Angola and has hopes of helping educate the children. In Benguela, Carlota returns to fight, and Kapuscinski goes on ahead with Carlos, another reporter. Kapuscinski and Carlos make it to General Farrusco’s compound and Kapuscinski gets his interview-- plus more than he bargained for.
Now older, Arturr revisits the countryside’s beautiful landscapes he hasn’t seen since 1975, and, he admits, he left his objectivity as a journalist behind. Carlos and General Farrusco provide current-day commentary as well. In the film, Kapuscinski has to make a decision on how to report what he finds, knowing his news story could make a difference in what is turning out to be an international conflict.
While the point of view is one-sided, the animation is superb, the music supports the story perfectly, and Kapuscinski is a remarkable person. Recommended for war drama or animation film collections for adults.