Sierra Leones Refugee All-Star

This is a compelling and ultimately uplifting documentary about refugees from the civil war in Sierra Leone who come together in a refugee camp in Guinea, create a band, and begin to transform their suffering into beautiful music. The documentary includes images of war torn Sierra Leone, as well as the stories of the members of The Refugee All Stars, so there are some very disturbing segments. If you are interested in learning more about this I also recommend a book by Ishmael Beah "A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier."

This movie is a beautiful film about people rising above a tragic situation. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have recommended it to all of my friends. Definitely worth viewing.

I would recommend this DVD to anyone who's concerned about the situation in Africa today, anyone who believes that the situation there affects us all, anyone who believes that even in the horrors of war, there is hope, anyone who believes in the power of music to heal and help us all find our way.

The makers of this film have given voice to the amazing group of musicians who make up the Refugee All Stars. In doing so, we're allowed a glimpse into their lives and the journey they've made through some truly inconceivable terrors. Through the unifying power of music, these musicians have taken the experiences of refugee camp life and drained every drop of fear and hate and oppression out of them and turned all that into a message of hope. Hope for themselves, and hope for us all, if we care to join them in making a better world.

The DVD successfully walks the fine line between showing the evil and horrifying results of the tribal warfare that exists in so many places today and showing that the situation is not without hope and answers. It's truly an inspiring film and, aside from enjoying the wonderful, wonderful music of the Refugee All Stars, a film that uses this music to give us all lessons to live by.