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Last modified: Monday, April 20, 2009 11:36 AM CDT
Africa film speaks of survival, hope
by Jennifer Johnson • Daily News
A tiny piece of Africa arrives April 22 at the North Dakota State College of Science.
The tale of Joseph Akol Makeer, a Sudanese Lost Boy who now lives in Fargo, N.D., has been transformed into a documentary called "African Soul, American Heart," that will be featured at Stern Cultural Center at 3 and 7 p.m.
A story of survival and hope, the film reveals Makeer's treacherous journey when he joined more than 30,000 children who fled Sudan in 1987 and eventually relocated to the United States. By the time they arrived in 2001, most had witnessed countless of their own die from starvation, dehydration and lion attacks along the trail. More than 40 Lost Boys settled in Fargo.
Makeer and the film's producer and writer, Kevin Brooks, will be available for conversation after the one-hour viewing.
"Kevin and Joseph want to spread the word that these Lost boys, whether they're here or in Sudan, need support," said Sybil Priebe, NDSCS English teacher. "It's more than just getting the word out."
Three of these Sudanese currently attend college here, and professors hope those who watch the film will acknowledge the diversity at home. One Sudanese student already has a college education but is trying to get a degree in the English language to build a future here.
"It's very local," said Priebe. "Having students in this area that have made their own little population, it's important to acknowledge them."
Priebe, who is on the school's diversity council, was initially contacted by Brooks after she donated funds to the ASAH Foundation. Brooks was her former thesis advisor while she was getting her master's degree at North Dakota State University.
"I knew enough of the story that it was going to something good," she said. "It would go to someplace fabulous and help out people who wanted an education."
The film is free to the public.
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