Memory Books
Synopsis
In Uganda, AIDS-infected mothers have begun writing what they call Memory Books for their children. In front of the small brick house Dennis and Chrissi brush their teeth every evening in the dim glow of the oil lamp. The 10-year-old watches his little sister conscientiously as they get ready for bed. Since their mother died of AIDS two years ago they are both orphans, two of more than two million of their kind in Uganda. There are few countries in Africa that have more households run by orphaned children and, despite extensive efforts by the government to raise awareness, experts on the subject predict that nearly 35% of Uganda's population is infected with HIV. When the parents die, the children are forced to look after themselves. A very special project has emerged in Uganda as a result: Memory Books, written by infected parents, mostly mothers, and their children. Aware of the illness, it is a way for the family to come to terms with the inevitable death that it faces. Openly, honestly and compassionately, the books give the children a chance to prepare themselves for life on their own. Values and traditions are passed on in the form of stories, fairytales and songs and the family's history is recorded with the children\'s favorite memories or their parent\'s wishes for the future. The books not only capture immeasurably valuable memories, but also allow members of the family to process some gruesome realities and prepare for the future. Hopelessness and desperation are confronted through the collaborative effort of remembering and recording, a process that inspires unexpected strength and even solace in the face of death. These books will likely be the most important guidelines that these orphans have to lead them through life.German, English, French (dubbed versions), Spanish, Italian (original version with subtitles)
Festivals/Awards
URTI Grand Prix for Author's Documentary Monte Carlo, Prix Micheline Vaillancourt Montreal, Grand Prix desJeunes Europèens FIPA, Shortlist German Filmprize, Nomination Camera Prize
Cast and Crew
- Director Christa Graf
- Director of Photography Roland Wagner
- Editor Carmen Kirchweger
Original Languages
German
World Sales Company
Accent Films International46, rue de la Gare, 1820 Montreux
Phone: +41 21 9639300
Fax: +41 21 9639305
cspycher@accent-films.comhttp://www.accent-films.com
Production Company
Kick Film GmbHMannhardtstr. 6, 80538 München
Phone: +49 89 7471030
Phone: +49 89 74710366
kickfilm@kickfilm.dehttp://www.kickfilm.de
Links / Reference
www.kickfilm.com