THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COUNTRY

Synopsis

The population in the battleground in “one of the worst humanitarian crises in the world” where war continues between rebels and the Ugandan government. As rebels abduct and force children and adults into the ranks, thousands flood into towns searching for security. In response, the governement forces 1.7 million people into camps in an attempt to cut off the rebel’s supplies and recruits. Instead of protection, the camps offer disease and death.

Politically crisp and salient, the film captures the realities of was in northern Uganda through the interconnected stories of five people, including : a mother turned activist after her daughter’s abduction; a young girl traveling miles daily looking for a safe place to sleep; a 7 year old boy who moved onto the streets to survive, and an increasingly outspoken and courageous man whose job takes him to the heart of the war.

The film powerfully elucidates what it means for people to live through a war carried out by rebels and played down and drawn out by a complicit governement. Shot entirely onsite and told exclusively through the images, voices and perspectives of Ugandans.

Credits

Direction : Catherine Hébert

Editing : Annie Jean

Photograhy : Sébastien Gros

Sound Recording and Mixing : Mélanie Gauthier

Vocal singing : Chœur du collège St. Mary d’Aboke, Ouganda

Additional Music : Martin Léon

Producion : Brigitte Dion et Catherine Hébert

Production Company : Mango Films

Financial Partners

• Feinstein International Center, Tufts University
• Société de développement des entreprises culturelles
• PRIM
• Fonds canadien du film et de la vidéo indépendants
• Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec
• Télé-Québec