Chris from Texas asks: Do you know if there are any plans to broadcast “Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars” on television in Sierra Leone or other parts of West Africa?
Zach Niles and Banker White: With the help of UNHCR and Save The Children workers in the camps, the film was screened over the past year in many of the refugee camps in Guinea. We have also been working with the band to plan a broadcast in Sierra Leone and a formal public viewing of the film in Freetown. We are also working with an organization called Film Aid that brings films to refugee camps in East Africa, and the film has been shown to refugees in Kenya. Additionally, we have a formal television broadcast deal in Uganda and are very interested in finding ways to share the film throughout the continent. You can visit our website www.refugeeallstars.org for up to date screening information.
J.J. From Oregon asks: That was one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. I couldn’t believe the courage and strength of the All Stars, and the way they were there for each other. Why do you think that the conflict in Sierra Leone was not extensively covered by the news media here in the United States?
Niles and White: Thank you for the kudos! It means so much to hear that feedback.
We continue to be inspired by the All Stars. They have been through more tragedy than we can fathom, and yet they have emerged as a powerful and positive voice for peace. We can all learn a lot from their courage and optimism.
As filmmakers, we were motivated to shed light in a new way on an area that is largely ignored by Western media. In creating a human and emotional connection to people across the world, we think we can also affect what people think of as “news.” It sometimes seems that the mass media, in general, can only focus on what is perceived as relevant to their viewers. Human tragedy should be considered relevant to everyone, and as the world becomes more connected and interdependent, the effects of what happens across the globe can truly be felt no matter where you live — whether it’s a question of refugees, diamonds, oil or terrorism. While the war in Sierra Leone was more extensively covered in the U.K. (due in part to their colonial ties), media interest in the U.S. has become more substantial due to the size of the UN peacekeeping mission and the significance of the UN backed war crimes tribunal, which indicted former Liberian president Charles Taylor. (The official website for the Special Court in Sierra Leone is here: http://www.sc-sl.org/ ).
Glenda from Minnesota asks: What organization would you recommend that people get involved with, if they want to help end the various conflicts that are happening in Africa?
Niles and White: Ending the world’s wars should be at the forefront of everyone’s mind. There are senseless conflicts that seem to be perpetuated by a lack of real political will by those who could do most to end them. Certainly, doing research and voting for leaders who are committed to finding peaceful resolutions is one of the best things to do.
Sadly, conflicts will continue to force people from their homes. The UN announced recently that there are now 14 million refugees throughout the world (up by 2 million from two years ago). These people need and deserve help. There are many organizations working to help refugees around the world. During the production of the film, we worked with the UNHCR (The United Nations Refugee agency), Save the Children, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Doctors Without Borders, the Center for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI) and American Refugee Committee (ARC). Each of these organizations have proven to be effective deliverers of lifesaving aid.
We have recently begun working with Ninemillion.org, which is a UNHCR led campaign to raise awareness and funds for education and sports programs for refugee youth, many of whom are forced to spend years of their young lives away from home with little hope of returning.
We are currently updating our website and our “Partners” page will have a list of worthy organizations to look into.
You can also visit the Take Action page on this website to learn more about how you can help.
Lisa from Pennsylvania asks: How can I get in touch with the All Stars to say "Hi" or to send a fan letter?
Niles and White: You can visit their website: www.sierraleonesrefugeeallstars.com or www.myspace.com/therefugeeallstars
Jackson from San Francisco asks: I really loved the film. Great job. There was nothing on the website about your next project. Will you be doing another music documentary? How do I find out about future projects?
Niles and White: We're thrilled to hear your positive response to the All Stars’ story. The experience of making the film and meeting the All Stars has been life changing for both of us. We have been moved by these extraordinary people and by experiencing the power of both music and film. We have not started a new film yet but through this process have become firm believers that telling these stories and raising awareness can lead to action and then change. We will are looking for more stories to tell — If you’re interested you can keep up with what we are doing through our website: www.refugeeallstars.org
Thank you all for your comments and questions!
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