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Sing, Freetown

Play trailer 2:23 Poster for Sing, Freetown 2021 1h 34m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Sorious Samura is Sierra Leone's best-known investigative journalist, making documentaries for CNN, Channel 4 and PBS that have won two Emmy Awards and seem him described by The Independent as "the world's most fearless filmmaker". Over the last 25 years, he's tackled the toughest issues in the region including civil war, starvation, AIDs, corruption, attitudes to homosexually and more. But Sorious has grown tired of telling negative stories about Africa and, having moved to London many years earlier, begins to realize that he is only telling half of the truth about his continent. Desperate to change the narrative, he turns to his best friend and mentor, Sierra Leone's iconic playwright, Charlie Haffner. These two friends embark on a journey to create an inspiring work of national theatre -- to restore pride to a nation with a rich and amazing history, yet known today mostly for conflict, poverty and corruption. It doesn't go as planned. It becomes clear very quickly that the two men have a shared ambition but have lived very different lives. Their two cultures collide and tensions flare, as Sierra Leone itself teeters on the brink of civil unrest. For both men, the play becomes a matter of personal and national salvation. Through increasing adversity, they push to opening night. What will happen when the curtain lifts?

Critics Reviews

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Phuong Le Guardian 06/22/2021
4/5
This is a hugely special, rewarding documentary whose ending manages to encompass both victory and loss. Go to Full Review Harry Solomons Loud and Clear Reviews Jan 8
4.5/5
Moving, sympathetic and dazzlingly rhythmic, Sing, Freetown is that rare documentary that not only captures but stands alongside the struggles of its subjects. Go to Full Review Trent Neely Battle Royale With Cheese 06/30/2021
Sing, Freetown is a documentary that covers a fair amount in its 90 minute runtime Go to Full Review Edward Porter Sunday Times (UK) 06/28/2021
3/5
The film's priorities seem misjudged here, but as a whole it's a lively and useful record. Go to Full Review Rob Aldam Backseat Mafia 06/11/2021
A fascinating portrait of a troubled country through the eyes of two of its most famous sons. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
Sing, Freetown

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Cast & Crew

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Clive Patterson

Director

Charlie Haffner

Actor

Sorious Samura

Actor

Clive Patterson

Producer

Katy Barksdale

Executive Producer

Nick Fraser

Executive Producer
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Sing, Freetown

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Movie Info

Synopsis Sorious Samura is Sierra Leone's best-known investigative journalist, making documentaries for CNN, Channel 4 and PBS that have won two Emmy Awards and seem him described by The Independent as "the world's most fearless filmmaker". Over the last 25 years, he's tackled the toughest issues in the region including civil war, starvation, AIDs, corruption, attitudes to homosexually and more. But Sorious has grown tired of telling negative stories about Africa and, having moved to London many years earlier, begins to realize that he is only telling half of the truth about his continent. Desperate to change the narrative, he turns to his best friend and mentor, Sierra Leone's iconic playwright, Charlie Haffner. These two friends embark on a journey to create an inspiring work of national theatre -- to restore pride to a nation with a rich and amazing history, yet known today mostly for conflict, poverty and corruption. It doesn't go as planned. It becomes clear very quickly that the two men have a shared ambition but have lived very different lives. Their two cultures collide and tensions flare, as Sierra Leone itself teeters on the brink of civil unrest. For both men, the play becomes a matter of personal and national salvation. Through increasing adversity, they push to opening night. What will happen when the curtain lifts?
Director
Clive Patterson
Producer
Clive Patterson
Production Co
Insight TWI: The World Investigates
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Runtime
1h 34m