CHOIR,
THE
APRIL 2010
SYNOPSIS:
Jabulani Shabangu and a group of fellow inmates are battling
to survive in Leeukwop Prison - South Africa's largest prison.
Jabulani is rebellious and angry until he meets Coleman, a
wily old bank robber, who recruits him for the prison choir.
Jabulani rises in the ranks and leads the choir to victory
at the National Prisoner Choir Competition. In time and with
setbacks, the brotherhood of choristers, along with Coleman's
fatherly wisdom, transform Jabulani's life and give him the
tools he needs to face his victims and to survive behind bars
- as well as in the world outside when he is released.
Review by Andrew L. Urban:
A joint production between Australia's Essential Viewing and
National Geographic Films, The Choir is remarkable, riveting
cinema, taking us inside Leeukwop Prison - a place you don't
want to go, except via the camera. With astonishing levels
of access and filmed over four years, Michael Davie documents
prison life through the eyes of teenage robber, Jabulani, who
shows us his many scars, tells us his savage life story and
gradually reinvents himself - with the help of the prison choir.
Music has the power to heal, as one of the guards admits; elaborating
on the notion, a prisoner explains how he found his initial anger
giving way to his discovery of a gift - for song.
We're familiar with stories about the quest to win at competitions,
whether it's spelling or dancing or singing; but here, there
is even more at stake than usual. As we watch scarred faces mouth
the words of a song and the magic of blended voices gives life
to hope, we can see what the filmmakers have done: they've captured
the essence of hope which gives human nature its unique place
in nature.
But the film also glimpses inside some of its subjects, their
private thoughts and feelings, their recognition of how they've
changed. All that makes the film rich, textured and compelling.
And as we follow Jabulani on his release (5 years early for good
behaviour) we realise the stark realities of his life have not
been greatly changed. But he has. It is truly a life changing
film.
Review by Louise Keller:
Redemption through music is at the heart of this heart-jolting
documentary set in a harsh, dangerous and unforgiving prison
in Johannesburg where prisoners' focus is not rehabilitation
but survival. While full credit goes to Michael Davie, who
directed, produced, wrote and shot this extraordinary insight,
credit must also be given to the immense courage shown by the
participating prisoners, whose honesty and willingness to reveal
their vulnerabilities is humbling. I was moved to tears by
this wonderful film that is simultaneously tragic and uplifting,
while the beauty of the natural voices that harmonise intuitively
lifts our spirits into a higher realm.
'Freedom is not a physical state of being. You must free yourself
within yourself; that's what music does for us,' says Coleman,
who is jailed for 24 years for armed robbery, and who runs the
choir in the overcrowded South African Leeuwkop Prison filled
with drug user, abuser and rapists. We meet and hear various
members of the choir, like newcomer Jabulani, imprisoned for
7 years for armed robbery. 'You get killed or you kill,' he says.
They wear a bright orange prison uniform and most of the inmates
have broken or missing teeth and scars - both physical and emotional.
Coleman is an inspiration as he councils his fellow prisoners
to be a positive example not only in their singing but in their
entire existence.
The environment is dire. Food is short and it is not surprising
to find spit or urine in it. There are 40 inmates to every cell;
once the door is locked, anything can happen (there's a distressing
story about a man whose eye is gauged out with a lightbulb).
Singing allows the prisoners to 'forget they are in prison' and
gives them the badly needed self esteem to show they are still
worthy human beings. We also hear from the warden, who agrees
that music has the power to heal and who is overcome by emotions
when hearing the magnificent voices. One of the most moving scenes
is when Tabea, the female prison guidance counsellor tells the
inmates her intimate story and the circumstances of how she became
a victim of rape. The response from the group of convicted criminals,
who had previously revealed their stories, is astounding. Tears
flow. They hug her and thank her for sharing.
And of course, there is the singing, and the lead up and preparation
for the National Prisoner Choir Competition. There are nerves,
tension and excitement and then it is time for the show, which
is unforgettable and so moving. 'For the first time in my life,
I knew what it felt like to do something right,' Coleman says.
But the film does not end with the highs from the concert. Davie
paints a far more realistic picture, giving an insight into what
happens afterwards. This is a film that gives us hope and lets
our hearts sing.
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