Memory Books

It's almost over, but is it too late to spread the word that daytime shows are free for students and seniors? Way to go HotDocs!

I suppose they figure that the daytime shows will be sorta empty - which this one was. Too bad, because it was a great topic to have a documentary about.

Memory Books takes a look at the program initiated by the National Community of Women Living with HIV/AIDS (NACWOLA) where infected mothers have the opportunity to purchase a memory book (director, Christa Graf was on had to answer questions and mentioned that each book cost the equivalent of 10euros!!! That's huge!!!) to create with their children.
The books are intended to be for one child, so there may be more than one book per household. Mothers are encouraged to engage in discussions with their child and write in the books (or have a scribe if they are unable themselves) in Ugandan or English (whichever they prefer). On each page, short headings are given to prompt mothers on what to write about...family history, the beginnings of the child's life, goals for their child, etc. Pictures can be drawn, photos can be pasted
The cinematography and score for the documentary was wonderful.
We met a variety of characters. Mothers, nurses, children and orphans. We were privileged to sit in on writing sessions, hospital visits, times to reminisce.
One criticism for the documentary is that it didn't really flow well. Sometimes it seemed disjointed and jumped from idea to idea. Also, I felt that certain moments were scripted, which is horrible to say based on the topic of the piece. I doubt that it was, but some moments just seemed crafted for the screen. I will be optimistic and hope that someone was just really good at piecing together all of the "best" parts.
It is such a wonderful idea. Many Ugandans have embraced the program, mostly in the rural villages. HIV/AIDS is a horrible epidemic and while citizens of all ages are being educated more and more about the illness there is still a slight sense of embarrassment and restraint when dealing with the topic. This program gives women an opportunity to feel empowered and take their destiny into their own hands. Increased morale, acceptance, time with family, discussions about heritage and history, there are so many ideas that are raised from this program. One could even say that in a community with an oral tradition, this not only keeps memories alive longer, but encourages literacy in Ugandan youth.
I'm still disappointed that a book costs so much to purchase and I hope that other countries adopt this idea and run with it.
Want to read about it the initiative? I Die, But The Memory Lives On, by Henning Mankell may touch you in some way. It touched the director of the documentary enough to have her create this film.
This was a moving documentary that makes me want to do more in life.