Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars

++ Discussion on PangeaDay.org ++ Directed by Zach Niles and Banker White (USA) The remarkable story of a group of six Sierra Leonean musicians who come together to form a band while living in a West African refugee camp. First-time filmmakers Zach Niles and Banker White started SodaSoap Productions in 2002 in support of their the documentary film ‘Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars’ (2006). “SodaSoap” comes from the title of an All Stars song that encourages people to take pride in what they can produce on their own. It has become a guiding artistic theme for the duo, who are recipients of a 2008 Creative Capital Foundation Grant for “We Own TV,” a collaborative media project that promotes self-expression through visual media by bringing filmmaking education and equipment to Sierra Leonean youth. Project participants will collaboratively create and produce their own independent media which will be distributed via “We Own TV’s” broadcast and online partners. Zach and Banker also continue to work closely with their friends “Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars” who, since the release of the film have become international stars and strident advocates for refugee rights. The SodaSoap Productions schedule is full as planning is under way to record a new album with the band later this year and documentary projects in Haiti and Cuba are currently in production. Crew Directors: Zach Niles, Banker White Musical Director: Chris Velan Editor: Jim Bruce Cinematographers: Banker White …
Video Rating: 4 / 5