On Sunday afternoon I went to the movies and saw an amazing film entitled War Dance. Set in Uganda, the film is about students at the Patongo Primary School in the Patongo refugee camp.  They are to compete in a nationwide competition held in Kampala where they will be judged on singing, theater, music and dance.  

Looming in the background of the film is the ongoing conflict in Northern Uganda and the atrocities perpetrated by the rebel army. It is estimated that at least 1.4 million people are displaced from their homes and living in refugee camps.  Children as young as eight are abducted by the rebel army and forced to work as soldiers or be used as wives. Thousands of children are forced to kill. The film tells these stories of horror through the voices of three children who at 13 and 14 year old have already seen too much in their young lives.

The music serves as a salve in the documentary.  It rejuvenates the spirit of the children and galvanizes the entire camp of adults and children behind them.  As they prepare to go to the capitol city and represent the Acholi people one child says, "I want to see what peace looks like".  Through music and dance these young people find hope. 

Go see the movie! Check out www.wardance.org for theatres near you.

Peace - Leatrice