Reviewed by Cassam Looch
Featuring Lorraine Bracco, Alicia Keys, Mbali, Mthobisi Moya, Nonkululeko Moya, Sifiso Moya, Swaphiwe Moya,
Slindile Moya, Paul Simon, Kanye West
Written by Slindile Moya & Paul Taylor
Certification UK PG
Runtime 83 minutes
Directed by Paul Taylor
As documentaries go, this one is a standout — genuinely moving and completely honest. The sensitive subject matter is so deftly handled that you will be swept up in the emotion from the start. The film combines two depressing elements (the exponential growth of HIV/Aids in Africa and abject third world poverty) yet proves to be uplifting. It’s a triumph of human spirit over adversity.
Twelve-year-old Slindile lives in the Agape Orphanage in South Africa. She has seen various family members die from AIDS and the orphanage itself is full of others in similar positions. Although she has other siblings, and visits them often, it is the orphanage that provides her with a stable homelife. With the film’s director having worked with the children as a volunteer, we follow them as they try to record a CD to raise much-needed funds for the crumbling establishment. As we follow the group's progress on their mission we also see Slindile’s older brother suffer increasingly as his condition worsens. The final aim is to put on a showcase in America and as a result complete the film based on their story.
Unlike many other films, this one openly introduces us to the crew. We know they are there and we know what they are aiming to do. It adds to the seriousness of the situation that they (the crew) are unable to effect any real change in these kids’ lives. As Slindile’s brother suffers, there is nothing that anyone can do but watch and feel for him and his family. But you never feel as if you are a voyeur on people's misery, as there is no element of manufacturing the situation for dramatic effect.
The central story is engaging enough when following the kids (and allowing us to hear their sublime voices) but the point when the film reaches America is an absolute joy. It’s not going to spoil the film for you to know that this happens with the already likeable Alicia Keys reacting in the same way most of the audience will when they are introduced to the group and summing up what we’re all feeling on this journey. We Are Together is an emotional and emotive piece of work, but excels in never exploiting the subject matter nor the audience… for this and many other reasons it is to be completely commended.