Review of I Am Because We Are (2008) by Pera K — 02 Jun 2009

It is a sad thing that most documentaries people see about different countries in Africa are those which emphasize the poverty and harsh realities of that particular country. This film was no exception to that, focusing on the HIV/AIDS prevalence of the country of Malawi, but it did however bring along with it a different face - hope.

Truly powerful and inspiring, this film brought me to tears. Though the devastating truths shown in this film are (sadly) normal occurrences, I love the message that we are all truly connected as one and that despite whatever hardships and trials we face, there is no law saying that we still cannot carry a smile on our faces and persevere through it all. The dichotomy and the paradox of seeing a seemingly hopeless scene yet so full of hope is to say the least moving and uplifting. This movie is tragic, yet undeniably beautiful and amazing.