WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Based on a true account, director/producer/writer Garrett Batty brings this courageous tale, co-written with Melissa Leilani Larson, to reality in telling of a group of Liberian missionaries trying to be witnesses of their faith in a country fighting for its own identity and survival. After years of contestation for power and rights, civil war has broken out in Liberia, with rebel forces specifically hunting down any who are members of the then-maligned Krahn ethnic group. Amidst this chaos is local church leader Abubakar (Henry Adofo) who deems it no longer safe for himself and 6 other native missionaries to stay in country, advising they should make a daring trip to Freetown, Sierra Leone to escape the turmoil. Even as the group is contemplating the potential hardships ahead, some are wanting to stay and teach their faith despite the war while others are ready to leave. The situation is made even more difficult in the form of an NPFL rebel leader who is bent on killing one of them. As the journey is undertaken, courage is tested, doubt arises, and each one will have to face the possibilities that their efforts will not succeed. However, it is in these times of trial that all of their beliefs and faith come to the forefront, as they all experience amazing answers and solutions when events appear to be most dire, helping them to realize the power of fellowship, God, and the convictions which drive them forward to reach the final goal.
Stirring and uplifting while at the same time formidable and heavy in its portrayal of a country at war, “Freetown” most certainly paints a potent picture of the harshness in events that were unfolding in Liberia during this particular time period. Yet, it also effectively provides the viewer a strong sense of hope and sincere empathy for Abubakar and his charges as, despite the violence around them, they still find a way to keep their unyielding faith in God, even to the extent to presenting their truths to others at the risk of their own lives while attempting to flee the country. Adofo does an excellent job in his role as Abubakar, genuinely presenting him as a devout man, but one who has his moments of anxiety, anger, and hesitation when circumstances go poorly, only to be brought back to reality by the stalwart beliefs of the six missionaries when the road, figuratively and literally, gets rough. The supporting actors all stand out in their own rights as well, taking us on this harrowing yet inspirational journey with fervor and intrepid confidence. In summary, this is a film that shines a light upon an ugly truth of Liberian history, but then also reflects that even in the darkest of situations, there are those who can be a light of hope, resolute that they can overcome their fears, hang on to deep abiding faith in God, and trust His hand bring them through. It is the lengths we will go for freedom, and to ideally be a help to others along the way.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
