Sneak Preview: God Grew Tired of Us
Note: I created a category called SIFF Screenings to mark all the posts I write after I get to see a free movie thanks to the SIFF membership benefit.
God Grew Tired of Us is a documentary about the “Lost Boys” from Sudan who came to the United States after fleeing the violence in their homeland.
It is a film that is both uplifting and sad. It is uplifting to see these young men have such a great outlook on life after facing so many unbelievable challenges. Their life in the US is by no means easy, but they do reap some deserving rewards as they continue to be true to their roots, and work towards what they believe is the right thing.
It is sad because it reinforces the other side of the material wealth we enjoy here in the US, some of which inlcude: the working poor who must take on two, three shifts to keep up; the culture of alienation where strangers feel no connection to one another, “even though they’re all Americans”; and racism, stereotypes, and the culture of fear against foreign individuals. The film reminds us that no matter how many text messages we exchange with our friends, these boys from Africa can experience far richer connections with their loved ones, precisely because of what they lack.
It’s a pretty emotional film, with some not-so-subtle calls to action attached. For one the display of names of Hollywood stars connected to the film are obvious (Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Catherine Keener, and more I’m sure), and the screening in Seattle made available some supplemental material that could be used for further education, as well as to find additional foster homes for the boys still in Africa. Also one of the boys in the film organizes a rally to educate the Americans about the situation in Sudan. I think a documentary is a pefectly good vehicle for something like this, so I would welcome this kind of propaganda!
Highly recommended, if you can catch a screening. It also won the Grand Jury Prize and the Audience Award at last year’s Sundance.
