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Beat the Drum

Play trailer Poster for Beat the Drum 2003 1h 53m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 1 Reviews 88% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Musa is a recently orphaned 9-year-old boy from a small South African village that has been destroyed by an unknown disease. Seeking answers and help for his grandmother and village, Musa embarks on a journey to Johannesburg to find his uncle, who can hopefully aid the village in its ravaged state. Carrying with him only a tribal drum -- a gift from his father -- Musa braves the trek alone to the imposing metropolis, where he learns many important lessons.

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Beat the Drum

Critics Reviews

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Andrea Gronvall Chicago Reader 04/07/2010
Cinematographer Lance Gewer's wide-screen visuals are a knockout, and the impressive cast delivers. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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05/17/2020 Great film Beautiful movie See more 11/20/2019 Slow start but worth the wait. See more 05/13/2014 Good film about the HIV/AIDS epidemic and AIDS orphans in South Africa See more 09/06/2013 Quiet most of the time, but still got its message across. See more 01/31/2012 Beautifull story ....good acting Didn't beat the drum that much tough... See more 10/17/2011 A beautiful modern African story, encompassing several aspects of modern South Africa: rural poverty, city vs countryside and HIV. Young Musa is on a quest, leaving behind his shattered life to face survival in the suburban chaos of Jo'burg. His determination and honesty will defeat prejudices and fear and his tale is a faint beacon in the darkness of Africa's social distress. See more Read all reviews
Beat the Drum

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Cast & Crew

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David Hickson

Director

Junior Singo

Musa

Owen Lebakeng Sejake

Nobe

Mary Twala

Ntombi

Nolunthando Maleka

Letti

Dineo Nchabeleng

Thandi
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Beat the Drum

Beat the Drum (2003) Beat the Drum (2003) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Musa is a recently orphaned 9-year-old boy from a small South African village that has been destroyed by an unknown disease. Seeking answers and help for his grandmother and village, Musa embarks on a journey to Johannesburg to find his uncle, who can hopefully aid the village in its ravaged state. Carrying with him only a tribal drum -- a gift from his father -- Musa braves the trek alone to the imposing metropolis, where he learns many important lessons.
Director
David Hickson
Producer
W. David McBrayer, Karen S. Shapiro, Richard Shaw
Screenwriter
W. David McBrayer
Distributor
Freestyle Releasing
Production Co
Z Productions
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 10, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 17, 2017
Runtime
1h 53m