From Sean & Andrea Fine, creators of War/Dance:

In 2006 Fine Films and Shine Global completed production on “War/Dance”, a feature documentary that follows the lives of three children from a northern Ugandan refugee camp and the power of music to escape the brutality of a 20 year long civil war. The film went on to win over 20 national and international awards, including ‘Best Directing’ at Sundance and a 2007 Academy Award nomination for ‘Best Documentary’. The film’s theatrical and DVD release has greatly helped to spread awareness about the alarming brutality of this war, characterized by the UN’s Jan Egeland, as one of the worst humanitarian disasters of our time. Fine Films has kept in regular contact with children and started a scholarship and music fund that hopes to better the lives of the children who can’t escape the violence of this seemingly endless war. Thus far, the film’s outreach has raised scholarship funds to support the education of eleven Patongo students in safe boarding schools in the capital city, and construction will soon begin on a music center in the camp.

Two of the children in the film, Dominic Akena and John Okello, are visiting the United States for the first time. Dominic is a former child soldier and John’s family has been deeply traumatized by the multiple kidnappings of his father. Both boys have found refuge from the war in music. On August 21st, Dominic and John will accompany celebrated Ugandan artist, Samite, from Musicians For World Harmony, to perform a tribute concert about the power of music to heal and inspire. The event will start at 7:00pm at the Meridian House at 1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington DC 20009. Following the performance, enjoy a cocktail and meet these inspirational young gentleman.

Please join us in welcoming Dominic and John to our nation’s capital. We look forward to having you join us for an amazing evening of music and support.

by Jenni Robison

War/Dance is a new documentary movie about three brutalized children of Northern Uganda and their dream of musical expression. The documentary is set amidst the violence of the Lord’s Resistance Army (L.R.A.), who kidnap sleeping children to abuse them and force them into rebellion and murder, sometimes even murder of their own families. Despite the horror, War/Dance has captured a beautiful story about the epic, unbreakable spirits of these children.

Image courtesy of THINKFilm

Two years ago Rose, 13, Nancy, 12, and Dominic, 14, were forced from their schoolhouse to become rebel soldiers. They each have unique, heart-wrenching accounts of terror with the L.R.A. as they survive through the memories of familial love and utter strength of their will. Through it all they hold onto their desire to dance and make music.

These beautiful children prepare to compete in the finals at the Kampala Music Festival, Northern Uganda’s biggest event of the year, representing their school from the refugee camp of Patongo. They pour their hearts, souls, and bodies into their music and dance–for their ancestors, their homeland, and for victory. Victory not only for themselves, but for all the children of refugee camps, who would gain respect through competition with children who come from more fortunate backgrounds.

Dominic, a xylophone virtuoso, plays music; Nancy dances; and Rose sings. Together they are an awesome force of life and their refusal to give up hope is an inspiration.

100% of Shine Global profits (the film’s producers) goes back to charity.  So please, watch this movie and spread the word; it will save lives. The time to help is now. Please watch the trailer at WarDance.org

WAR/DANCE is just coming off an award-winning independent film debut.

A stunning documentary that will give you the chills, t’s the story of children in Uganda who overcome fear and war and forced soldiering to make their way to the finals of the national native dance competion.

Facebook helps everyone to spread the word quickly. The film is opening next week and needs support in New York, LA and Washington to start.

Event information and some free tickets will be made available: