Winner of numerous audience awards on the festival circuit, first-time director Paul Taylor’s documentary focuses on South Africa’s Agape Orphanage. He had volunteered there before returning with a camera, and it’s a rare joy to see a film arise out of such passionate commitment to its subject.
Narrated by Slindile Moya, a bright 12-year-old who lost both parents to AIDS, this is a revealing insight into the impact of HIV on a community. The film strays close to Oxfam-advert territory only when the children’s choir travels to the US on a fundraising trip with Alicia Keys’ foundation. But if you can stomach a cringe-worthy Christ-like turn from Paul Simon, you’ll be rewarded by this touching doco.