August 2010

Pathé Productions (the people behind the success of Slumdog Millionaire) have contracted Damaris (www.damaris.org) to create a set of official resources for their forthcoming feature film Africa United (UK release 22nd October). This is a very unusual film since the writer, director and producers are Christians.
Africa United tells the extraordinary story of three Rwandan children and their dream to take part in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup. During their 3,000 mile journey, we encounter an Africa few people ever see; experience an epic adventure across seven countries; and feel the joy, laughter and hope that comes from making an incredible journey together.
First and foremost Africa United is a dramatic, heartfelt and enchanting story set to enthral family audiences worldwide. But it also provides a fantastic opportunity to raise important issues with a wider audience. Two lead characters are AIDS orphans and the friends they make along the way include a child soldier and a child in prostitution.
The resources will be available free at www.damaris.org/africaunited and will provide a great opportunity for churches, schools and community groups to make the most of this charming and thought-provoking film.
Already on www.damaris.org/africaunited there are three videos about big issues raised by the film together with the trailer and a video of the producers talking about the film. You can view or download all of these free of charge.
On October 22nd Africa United will be released in UK cinemas, bringing us the story of Dudu, Beatrice and Fabrice as they journey 3,000 miles from Rwanda to Johannesburg in the hope of achieving their dream: participating in the opening ceremony of the 2010 Football World Cup.
Damaris, in association with Pathé Productions, are providing the following resources to help schools, churches and community groups make the most of this movie when it is released on October 22nd:
• Three special videos including clips from the film and interviews with experts – looking at the issues of AIDS orphans, child prostitution and child soldiers. These are available now
• A Film and Focus event, with leader’s guide and full publicity material
• A special episode of Carol Pollard’s Movie Moments
• A whole host of open access Tools for Talks resources with downloadable clips from the film and suggestions for use in your meetings
• An open access Secondary Assembly from www.assembliesonline.com
• An open access Secondary RE Lesson from www.relessonsonline.com
• A special episode of Pollard on Film
These will all be available free of charge at www.damaris.org/africaunited where you can see the trailer and special videos right now.
Please tell others and plan now to build events in your church, school and community groups around this film.
UK Release Date: October 22nd – a date to plan for!