We Are Together

This documentary follows the lives of the children in the Agape orphanage in South Africa, who, under “Grandma” Zodwa Mqadi’s guidance, have formed a talented choir, in order to help raise money for their orphanage. The film focuses on the choir’s progress, giving special attention to one of its principal soloists, 12 year old Slindile. In a country devastated by the effects of AIDS, it is not surprising to learn that most of the children (including Slindile) have been orphaned by the disease, and this sad film documents the on-going struggle against AIDS and the impact the disease has had upon the lives of these children. Like South Africa itself, We Are Together is a film of immense contrasts: joy and laughter co-exist with unimaginable suffering. Director Paul Taylor dispels the myth of South Africa as a country drowning merely in intense poverty and ethnic conflict, instead giving a window into a world where the strength of human spirit rises above such adversities.

Despite its difficult and at times harrowing subject this film does not leave one despondent, but rather convinces us of the very real ability these people possess to better their own lives. This is not a vision of South Africa wallowing in problems, but a vision of a new generation striving to make a better life for themselves; in light of all that has happened to her, it is an incredible thing to see Slindile beaming as she tells the camera of her ambitions to become a nurse and run her own home.

It is not a stylistically arresting film, nor does it need to be. It is a beautiful and intensely moving documentary that does exactly what a documentary should do – it tells a story that needs to be heard. It is rare to sit in a cinema and realise that everyone around you is quietly crying, but then this is a rare film - one of overwhelming emotion; one that needs to be seen.