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| “Lost Boys of Sudan” is a thought provoking documentary and I highly recommend it. Don’t be surprised if it’s nominated for an Oscar early 2005. It helped me understand all the circumstances refugees face as they try to make their way in the world and it reiterated to me that, although we get glimpses from time to time, there isn’t a Heaven on Earth. |
(2004) Film Review by Benn Becker |
| This page was created on May 24, 2004
This page was last updated on
May 24, 2004
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Dial up modems will take a few moments |
| CREDITS |
| Directed by Megan Mylan and Jon Shenk
Producers
Megan Mylan ... producer
Jon Shenk ... producer
Cast
Santino Majok Chuor
Peter Kon Dut
Cinematography Jon Shenk
Additional cinematographer by Michael G. Chin, Nick Doob and Johnny Symons
Edited by Mark Becker and Kim Roberts
Not Rated
For rating reasons, go to FILMRATINGS.COM, and MPAA.ORG.
Parents, please refer to PARENTALGUIDE.ORG |
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| SYNOPSIS |
| Lost Boys of Sudan is a feature-length documentary that follows two Sudanese refugees on an extraordinary journey from Africa to America. Orphaned as young boys in one of Africa's cruelest civil wars, Peter Dut and Santino Chuor survived lion attacks and militia gunfire to reach a refugee camp in Kenya along with thousands of other children.
From there, remarkably, they were chosen to come to America. Safe at last from physical danger and hunger, a world away from home, they find themselves confronted with the abundance and alienation of contemporary American suburbia.
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 Review by
BENN BECKER
Benn has an undergradute degree in Finance from the University of Nebraska and is working towards a masters in both Business and English. He owns some farmland and is currently writing a novel. He lives in Lincoln, NE. |
 There are more than 15 million refugees worldwide. Sudan has been engaged in a 20 year civil war between Christian and Muslim sects and an estimated two million lives have been taken. “Lost Boys of Sudan” concentrates
on the lives of two Sudanese refugees, Peter and Santino, of the Dinka culture. We gain a perspective of life in the Kenyan camp and find it full of community and faith in God. They eventually make their way from the camp to the United States and the promise of a better life. Prior to leaving for America, one of the elders tells the group going to America is like “going to heaven.”
 Having flown for the first time, the group of refugees arrives in Texas and we sense the uncertainty they all carry. The refugees are given money for a few months to get on their feet and after about 6 months they are on their own. Being free of voiceovers, the film
allows us to learn solely from Peter and Santino’s perspectives. We watch as the group is taught to use a stove and garbage disposal and how to shop at the supermarket. They learn about cultural norms like how to greet another person, personal hygeine, and interviewing skills. We see them struggle to make a living and understand the culture they‘re thrown in. The young men express their opinions of the culture they find themselves in. They often send what little money they
earn home to family. We see the cold, hard facts of life while witnessing the hope they hold. There are moments of disappointment, moments of happiness, and moments of humor--life at its basis in pretty much the same everywhere.
 While Santino stays in Texas, Peter eventually heads to Kansas, enrolls in high school, and tries out for basketball. I felt his pain as he was cut from the team--anyone who’s ever been through it understands the feeling. Peter is invited to a Christian youth
group and we observe the differing ways cultures worship. Eventually we see the “lost boys” reunite at a youth camp and they discuss all aspects of their new life in America. They lament about how their lives are run by money and the burden of providing for those back home.
 So many thoughts crossed my mind during the film. I admired the shared community of the Dinka culture and how all worked together to get by. Later we observe contrast as the “lost boys” try to succeed in the competition-driven culture of America. The economic
structure of the United States makes it the power it is, but I mourn the loss of community in our culture. I empathized with the torn sentiments of the refugees who are trying to prioritize personal gain and helping people back home. One second I was contemplating how little I appreciate the conveniences of our culture and the next I was understanding how the conveniences often get in the way of true life. One moment I believed the “lost boys” were better off in America
and the next I was considering the illusions of affluence. Peter and Santino‘s opinions seem to vary similarly. One point I was happy there are people in the world dedicated to helping refugees and the next I was angry at the way it seems they’re left out to dry.
 “Lost Boys of Sudan” is a thought provoking documentary and I highly recommend it. Don’t be surprised if it’s nominated for an Oscar early 2005. It helped me understand all the circumstances refugees face as they try to make their way in the
world and it reiterated to me that, although we get glimpses from time to time, there isn’t a Heaven on Earth. Be sure to check out this film if it’s showing in your area.
9/10
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