WARRIORSReview by Paul Fiander
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In cinemas 13th November www.warriorsfilm.co.uk
#WakeTheLion |
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Sport has the ability to inspire everyone from the Sunday league stalwart to the millionaire professional and even reaches to those who never enter the sporting field. This inspiration can sometimes be used to help communities grow and this in essence is the story of Warriors. A team of young Maasai Warriors have taken on the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) commonly practiced by their elders, as well as trying to educate their community on the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
The documentary is sold as Cricket being the driving force and in some ways it is but more than it is the younger generations education and exposure to the world that leads to the opposition to this barbaric custom. The cricket plays it’s part in being the way the young men gain the exposure in the first place. The two ideas are woven together throughout the hour and a half running time giving the viewer an insight into the world of this enigmatic community. The film is beautifully shot especially the opening when we see a change change from the world of cricket to a goat herder this goes a long way to show the viewer the differences between these two world. The narrator though does a great job in explaining Maasai culture before opening up about their discovery of cricket. The parallels drawn between the game and the warrior culture are drawn with the use of a graphic that transitions spears into balls and back again. For most this would not make sense and so the graphic helps to draw the viewer into the players mindset. |
Following the opening we are introduced to the team and the communities they live.The players are a very likable group they speak with passion about their lives and the game they have come to love. There is a great story of the pitch creation which is very significant as it was farming land bequeathed to them. We also get brief scenes layered in describing the custom of FGM. These are very important but at times feel an odd tonal change from what precedes and follows. In some ways the idea of adding a difficult subject into a more light hearted story has the opportunity to grab people and it certainly does this but I did feel there was a lack of true investigation into the practice of FGM. The same could be said for the HIV/AIDS issue the jist was there but not in any real depth.
Documentaries have become an accepted pathway into the mysteries of the world. From the depths of the ocean to the lives of animals but more importantly a gateway into learning about other cultures. Warriors in this regards was a success as it opened my eyes to the practice of FGM but more importantly it shows the way attitudes are being changed within the community itself I just would have liked a bit more depth.
Documentaries have become an accepted pathway into the mysteries of the world. From the depths of the ocean to the lives of animals but more importantly a gateway into learning about other cultures. Warriors in this regards was a success as it opened my eyes to the practice of FGM but more importantly it shows the way attitudes are being changed within the community itself I just would have liked a bit more depth.
Official Press Release
WARRIORS, about a group of Maasai warriors who formed an unlikely cricket team to spread the word regarding bringing an end to FGM for women in Kenya/Africa and a change in attitude towards HIV/AIDs. They use the vehicle of sport to raise awareness for women’s rights in their community, but also on a global scale. The film has already received 4 stars from Empire and Total Film, it is a very powerful and emotional watch to see young Maasai Warriors fight to abolish FGM for women - a critical step forward for women’s rights. Understanding that it isn’t the most mainstream of films releasing in cinemas at the moment, its message is heart-warming and relevant to women across the country in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. It’s incredibly uplifting to see a group of men fight for this cause, something that isn’t mentioned much in the media.
