Press
African Film Makes Debut
11/10/2008
This is a story about despair. This is a story about dreams. And it’s a story about a journey that hasn’t yet found its happy ending. The film premiere of one man’s escape from war-devastated southern Sudan to the Red River Valley brought in nearly 150 viewers for “an eyeopening experience,” one film viewer said Sunday. Joseph Akol Makeer, a Fargo Sudanese refugee, along with a group of local filmmakers, premiered the film “African Soul, American Heart” at the Fargo Theatre.The documentary talks about Makeer’s dream to help those left behind in the struggling villages of Sudan. He hopes to raise enough money to build a boarding school for orphans in Duk Payuel, South Sudan. “The local people are so happy with this project,” Makeer said. “I hope this dream will come true for the community.” Makeer isn’t alone. Along with a team of 10 documentary workers, a foundation board of directors, and the support of countless volunteers, Makeer hopes to make his dream a reality.
“This is a country with an awful lot of resources and potential,” said co-producer Kevin Brooks. “But because of (Sudan’s) ongoing conflicts, it never realized its full potential.” Filmgoers for the screening came out of the theater saying they hope to help with Makeer’s dream. “The more aware you become, the better this world can be,” Connie Peterson said. “I’ve heard about the situation in Sudan mainly from news reports, so it was quite remarkable to hear about it from Joseph’s perspective.” That’s what drew Debra Dawson into the project. Dawson, who serves as executive producer, director and writer for the documentary, said that when she heard Makeer’s story, she knew she had to step up to the plate. Dawson traveled with Makeer and the film crew to Sudan in December 2007. “It’s been a fascinating journey,” she said. “There’s nothing like hearing the sounds, smelling the smells, and just being there in the presence of what you’ve been attuned to for all these years.” They came back determined to show the Fargo-Moorhead community and beyond the resolve of those Sudanese refugees. Peterson said the film certainly left an impression on her. “It’s like that saying, ‘When the student is ready, the teacher appears,’ ” she said. “So I think we’re ready to help.” Readers can reach Forum reporter Kim Winnegge at (701) 241-5524
Forum file photo “African Soul, American Heart” Executive Producer Deb Dawson, left, and the movie’s main subject, Joseph Akol Makeer, right, are seen in Duk Payuel, Makeer’s home village in southern Sudan.
