Rwandan football prodigy Fabrice (Roger Nsengiyumva) is thrilled when he's asked to audition for the opening ceremony of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The only problem is, he must get to Rwandan capital Kigali for the try-out. Fabrice eagerly sets off, accompanied by his best friend and self-appointed manager Dudu (Eriya Ndayambaje), and Dudu's younger sister Beatrice (Sanyu Joanita Kintu), but the trip takes a worrying turn when the youngsters accidentally board a bus heading to the war-torn Congo.
There's much to enjoy in this roller coaster adventure set across a string of sprawling African landscapes. Debut director Debs Gardner-Paterson is well acquainted with both Rwanda, her mother's birth place, and football, as she once presented Singapore's answer to Match of the Day. Her passion therefore is evident in this comedy drama that doesn't shy away from highlighting the serious issues confronting the continent. Despite this, the tone of Africa United is largely upbeat and kid-friendly.
There's plenty of heartwarming humour, and the charm of the three inexperienced stars will ensure you're rooting for the intrepid underdogs by the final whistle.
Africa United is a Film programme that first aired in 2010 and has been classified a 12 certificate.
