Upon hearing Brook Silva-Braga’s news that he was to release another Documentary DVD, I was already psyched. Then when I learned that he was visiting Africa to tell the stories of the daily lives of Africans living there, I was even more excited. We told you about the pre-sale and we are here to tell you that this is a great buy!
I will be honest and say that I don’t know much about Africa, besides general knowledge and what I learned from the history books. It is filled with lots of history and I can’t even imagine what it would be like to interact with the locals.
One Day in Africa does a great job of introducing the life of Africans into your home. Not only are the stories enriching, but he does a great job with film making. It is an intimate portrayal that is all about them.
You almost forget who the narrator is and you get captivated in every story. He has a great voice in getting the people to interact and really let us know how they live.
I don’t want to give too much away. (I hate when people kill a movie for me.) This is a documentary that will suck you in and leave you wanting more at the end.
He documents the lives of 6 Africans in various parts of the country. You experience an entire day with each person and learn about their daily lifestyle routine.
I will tell you honestly that I was deeply touched by the stories. One woman living in Farge-Fundu, Niger spends the entire day working. She lives in an area where there is no running water or electricity. It put my life into perspective. She spends her day making her food, traveling 2 miles for water and taking care of her family.
Meanwhile, I am here complaining about days where I don’t have hot water to shower with.
And do you know what the best part is? She does not regret anything about it. Not only her, but every person he followed seemed to make do of the life they were given. It is a great lesson to learn, that no matter what life throws at us, what family we are born to, we have to strive and be happy with what we have.
Every story will touch you on one level. What I got from the Documentary is how different each part of Africa is.
One area might not have your basic necessities, while miles away on the other side of the continent it is almost Westernized.
Now, more than ever, I would love to visit Africa and experience what he has shown in film. I will leave you with this; something mentioned that really stuck with me. Africa is not what you really think it is. One lady he documented has never seen a giraffe, does not have Aids and is very well educated, despite what stereotypes might say. You can get something out of every story being told.
Africa is a backpacking experience in itself. One that is different, and rewarding at the same time.
I personally would like to thank Brook for sending me a copy of his documentary. I wish him lots of luck with his second release and all his future endeavors! He is also a fellow New Yorker and perhaps we could catch up for coffee one day, if we’re both not traveling that is!
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