Angels in the Dust

Angels in the Dust is a powerful and moving documentary that explores the devastating impact of HIV/AIDS on the impoverished rural communities of South Africa. The film takes an unflinching look at the struggles faced by thousands of orphaned children, and the tireless efforts of one remarkable woman to build a school and a community dedicated to their care.

The story centers on Marion and Con Cloete, a married couple who were once successful farmers in the fertile region of KwaZulu-Natal. When the HIV/AIDS epidemic hit South Africa in full force, the Cloetes were shocked to learn that many of their workers and their families were infected. As they witnessed the devastation wrought by the virus, they knew they had to do something to help.

The couple began by opening their farm to the sick and dying, providing them with food, shelter, and medical care. But as the epidemic continued to spread, they realized that they needed to do something more profound. With the help of local leaders and activists, they decided to build a school specifically for children orphaned by AIDS.

The school they created, Nkosi's Haven, is a place of hope and healing for the children who attend it. The film follows several of these children as they learn and grow, often in the face of staggering loss and hardship. One scene shows a young girl named Sihle, whose mother is dying of AIDS, as she waves goodbye to her mother's coffin during a funeral procession. Another scene depicts a boy named Lucky, who lost both parents to the virus, as he participates in a school play about the dangers of HIV/AIDS.

Throughout the film, Marion and Con act as the guiding force behind Nkosi's Haven. They are deeply dedicated to the children in their care, and their commitment never wavers even as they confront countless obstacles. They face opposition from conservative members of the community who believe that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is the result of moral decay, rather than a disease. They struggle with funding shortages and bureaucratic red tape. And they must confront their own mortality, as Con battles cancer and they both confront the harsh realities of life in a country torn apart by disease and inequality.

Despite these challenges, the Cloetes remain resolute in their mission to care for those in need. They are joined by a diverse cast of volunteers, caregivers, educators, and community leaders, all of whom are united by a common goal: to create a brighter future for the children of South Africa.

Throughout Angels in the Dust, director Louise Hogarth captures stunning images of the South African landscape, from the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal to the bustling streets of Johannesburg. The film is beautifully shot and scored, with haunting music that reflects the melancholy beauty of the region.

Ultimately, Angels in the Dust is a story of resilience and hope in the face of unimaginable adversity. It is a testament to the power of love, compassion, and community in the fight against HIV/AIDS. It is a call to action for all those who believe that every child deserves a chance to thrive, no matter the circumstances of their birth. And it is a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there are angels among us who refuse to give up on the human spirit.