Warriors, 2015.
Directed by Barney Douglas
Starring Sonyanga Ole Ngai, Jonathan Nissan Meshami, Aliya Bauer, The Elders.
SYNOPSIS:
In a remote region of Nigeria, the Maasai Cricket team take their skills to England’s Last Man Stands World Championship to raise awareness of FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) in their male dominated society.
Documentary filmmaker Barney Douglas’ didactic approach to the issues of FGM takes its form through the user friendly motif of sport. The titular team are a band of eloquent, bright and progressive players who debate openly to the Elders regarding this cultural practice. In turn, this manifests the narrative to position the Warriors at this binary between the cultural old and the progressive new. Consequently, through the medium of sport, it allows an open dialogue of the effects of FGM.
This cultural underpinning further foregrounds the abhorrent practices of child-marriage, and the HIV/AIDS that has permeated the Maasai community. The interviews given by those directly affected are done with the utmost respect, and Douglas offers space for them to speak frankly of their experiences. These are not shown for shock value but are laid out for audiences to take in and respond accordingly. The Elders offer their position against such progressive changes. While the film undoubtedly takes a position against such misogynistic actions, it does not reduce the Elders to demonic caricatures. Indeed their justifications are seen as questionable and deplorable enough.
Contrasting these tragic episodes is the story of Warriors’ travel from Maasai to London. This eases the audience into the above narrative, and offers a glass-half-full perspective. The team’s passion for the sport and their infectious charm makes their journey engaging and empathetic. They arrive in England to marvel at London’s most iconic attractions, and arrive at the cricket pavilion with their story in one hand and their passion for the sport in the other. Their fish-out-of-water scenario is endearing without condescension; their political motive omits such a notion.
Warriors is not without its faults, mind. Its thematic juggling of FGM, the underdog sports team and cultural and generational conflicts is problematic for one is never certain where the film’s focus resides. And given its fairly short under-90 minute running time some are given significantly less time than others. Nonetheless, it’s optimistic approach and charming team members ensures this an engaging documentary.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★
Matthew Lee
https://youtu.be/0aIsNl6XwEk?list=PL18yMRIfoszEaHYNDTy5C-cH9Oa2gN5ng
Originally published January 26, 2016. Updated April 14, 2018.
