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First, the Recap:
Per chance to yearn, to desire, to hope, to aspire. All are worthy concepts to strive for in life, wishing to maintain an outlook on our existence that assures us we have purpose, a driving force within that compels us into making every attempt to put the actions we choose to initiate into motion which in turn will, perhaps, improve our path and aid in us achieving our goals. But, why does it always seem to become apparent that so many factors make their play to work entirely against us, whether it be from society itself, the ongoing patterns of faltering momentum in the face of daunting odds, the pressures put upon us by others, or simply things accepted as the only reality possible for us to gain?
It is in these turbulent and formidable times that our real mettle is put to the test, our loyalties to that which we’ve known all our lives challenged, and the choice to find the fortitude to stand up, go against the flow, and aim for whatever star we see as reachable with dedication, perseverance, and sometimes just good old fashioned grasping onto daydreams where our real accomplishments sought after reside. Here, in South Central Uganda, there is a place known as the Kalangala District. Here, there is a fishing village huddled amidst the Ssese Islands and the eighty-four pieces of land making them up. In it resides a young man named Ismael. A young man filled with dreams and the future he aims to see come true.
Next, my Mind:
Another of the documentary short projects, featured in the Friday programming, at the 2019 High Coast Film Festival sponsored by and/or in association with Illambra, Kramfors Kommun, Film Vasternorrland, Europeiska Unionen, Region Vasternorrland, Lansstyrelsen Vasternorrland, and NBV, this 25-minute narrative highlights the wonder of having dreams and goals in the midst of struggle as seen through the perspective of a 19-year old named Ismael, whose entire being burns within to find the way out of it all in order to pursue his original, ultimate ambition–to work in a bakery. The current life of fishing that he endures isn’t remotely what he ever wanted, but circumstances and the nature of how things unfold in his village has driven him into it, which often takes a hard toll on those who become immersed in it for a lifetime, with some becoming jaded and rough due to the overt rigors of the lifestyle being a fisherman can create. Watching as it draws so many into seeking coping mechanisms for the strain, including drinking, smoking, drugs, and women, all of which doesn’t aid anyone at all, but rather drags them down, makes them weary, physically haggard, and most likely to the point of hopelessness, that change won’t be possible.
What strikes you as a viewer when taking in the film from start to finish, at least for this critic, is the undeniable beauty of the Ssese Islands and their location in the northwest corner of Lake Victoria. The countryside and lakeside vistas are honestly stunning in so many respects that it’s hard to accept the fact it is home to a place where hard work through tireless, tiresome manual labor doesn’t equal profit for those simply wanting to eke out a living as best they can. The way their society is viewed has so many varying notions and attitudes that being a soul like Ismael would indeed be seen as highly unique, for even as he interacts with his friends and those he fishes with, his heart, sharp mind, playful attitude, yet steadfast and determined manner all belie so much of the truths and realities most of the villagers face or just accept. In this, though, is what makes Ismael’s story so inspiring, as it illustrates how no matter what kind of societal or social atmosphere you come from, there ARE choices to be made that can push, prod, and produce someone who knows they can achieve great things if just given the chance. Not to rub it in anyone’s face, but to be that example to others that dreams are possible, and I personally got that underlying sense from Ismael as he takes us through the facets of his daily life while talking so passionately about his objectives.
Additionally, through the interviews with and footage of Ismael, plus his friends, and their surroundings, what I also appreciated about it is the candidness of it all, the stark actualities of their lives, and that there is plenty of questioning of faith and belief when it comes to seeing the problems the village and its citizens face that seem to constantly badger them with no end or solutions in sight. I think this speaks deeply into Ismael’s tale, knowing that as positive and happy as he tries to be, there’s always that nagging inward turmoil that comes up to be reckoned with, even to the extent of causing doubt about everything he wants to see come about for him. But that’s what it is to be human, and seeing it portrayed with raw, uncontrived execution is what documentary films are so engaging to me, and I give full, unwavering, and wholehearted props to filmmakers Daniel Hedstrom, Appollonia Meleouni, Sofie Andersson, and Astrid Andersson Ahlbom for painting this wonderful portrait of youth waiting to break free, sometimes just to BE young, all while experiencing having family so quickly, fighting the illegal fishing issues that arise, increasing governmental control over the industry, people aiming to work for themselves rather than for others, watching the next generation being taught to fish while lean seasons make it virtually impossible to earn enough to survive, all encompassed by the vastness of Lake Victoria.
In total, this critic hopes that “Kalangala Dreams” impacts, stirs, influences, and affects its viewing audience at HCFF 19 and ideally well beyond that with its magnificent view of another person’s life that’s out there in this huge world so that we may find the means to relate it to our own pursuit of what we desire, even as we watch and listen to the grander localities and environments we inhabit as we move towards the uncertain, the undefined element that is the future, but in a way still filled with dreams of newfound directions to follow for the betterment of not just ourselves, but others as well.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
