War/Dance

For the past 20 years, northern Uganda has been tormented by the aggression of the rebel force Lord's Resistance Army. Ugandan children, who have never known peace, live in fear of their parents being killed and of their own abduction. In WAR/DANCE, husband and wife directors Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine expose these tragic circumstances in the war zone displacement camp Patongo, where the military guards 50,000 people uprooted from their ancestral homes. Yet, despite their plight, one ray of hope still exists for the anguished Ugandan youth-the National Music Competition held in Kampala. For the first time, Patongo Primary School has qualified for this esteemed event. As they prepare for the eight categories of song, dance, and drama-including Traditional Dance, Western Choral, and Instrumental-professional musicians risk their lives to help the young hopefuls. Through the heartbreaking testimonials of dancer Nancy, xylophone player Dominic, and singer Rose, the directors reveal the power of music in the midst of war. (In English and Luganda with English subtitles) – E.J.B.