They Are We

They Are We is a heartening documentary demonstrating remarkable cultural preservation and the unbreakable bond of family. This film is based on the power of memory and an intense yearning for ancestral connection, offering a vivid account of how far human beings can go to find their roots and how powerful emotions can cross borders and oceans. It is a remarkable testament to the endurance of cultural heritage and a poignant depiction of what it means to long for a home you never knew.

Released in 2014, directed and written by Emma Christopher, this film features Joe Allie, Lucy Amara, and Cuco Casanova in vital roles. It is an intricate blend of ethnographic research, historical truth, gripping personal narratives, and an underlying theme of human unity.

The movie focuses on the members of the Ganga-Longoba community residing in Perico, a small village in Cuba who, for over 150 years, have upheld their unique cultural traditions, which they traced back to their African roots. However, they possess no knowledge of whence precisely they came from. This knowledge comes in the form of an academic, Emma Christopher, who has determined that their songs and dances are exclusive to specific regions in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

Joe Allie, who plays a significant role in the movie, is the Sierra Leonean historian that assists Christopher in navigating the complex etymological and historical contexts that piece the puzzle together. Allie is instrumental in the film, serving not just as a resource for Sierra Leonean history but also as a human link bridging the Cubans and their ancestral lands.

Lucy Amara plays one of the Cuban descendants who is eager to discover, learn and connect with her ancestral roots. She brings a heartwarming sense of anticipation and longing, effectively portraying the emotional side of the narrative.

Cuco Casanova is another member of the Cuban community and serves as a testament to the perseverance of its cultural heritage. Casanova, alongside his peers, has held onto the dances, songs, and memories passed down through generations, keeping the fiery torch of their cultural lineage alive.

Enveloped within the storyline are soul-stirring African songs, rhythms, dance sequences, and engaging conversations that showcase the rich amalgam of Sierra Leonean and Cuban cultural heritage. It brings to the fore the visceral isolation experienced by descendants of the diaspora, showcasing the seemingly invisible but robust threads that link past to present, Africa to the Caribbean, and echoes of history to everyday living.

The narrative is not just heartwarming; it's potent and thought-provoking, prompting audiences to ponder on themes of identity, heritage, migration, and belonging. The documentary provides a deep dive into the dimension of human lives where personal and collective histories meet, offering new perspectives on the legacies of the slave trade and inviting reflection on the resilience of human spirit and culture over centuries and across continents.

They Are We is imbued with a sense of hope and celebration. Amidst the disquiet related to cultural displacement and identity crisis, there lie heartening stories of reunion, belonging, and rediscovery. This film is a testament to the fact that music, dance, and shared histories can bond people together, even if they're worlds apart.

In conclusion, They Are We is more than just a movie - it's an exploration of roots, a reunion of separated families, and a celebration of the strength of human connections. Its remarkable storyline and excellent cast make it a noteworthy documentary film worthy of its accolades - it's a journey that the viewer embarks upon alongside the characters, a journey of rediscovery and reunion. The film, in its essence, reflects the spirit of its title - establishing a sense of shared identity and oneness, transcending geographical, cultural, and temporal divides.