Life, Above All

In the year, 2010, ‘Life, Above All’, released in Africa and touched the heart of the entire world. It has been directed by Oliver Schmitz and portrays the lives of those who are affected by HIV-AIDS.

The story, that is based on the novel, ‘Chanda’s Secrets’ by Allan Stratton, is about a young African girl, Chanda, who lives in a hamlet in South Africa. Her family comprises her ailing mother, Lilian and her stepfather, Jonah, who is an alcoholic. She also has two stepsisters to take care of and has had the responsibility of raising her family, all on her tender shoulders. Her ‘life’ changes, when her newly born baby sister dies. Rumors do the rounds that the child died owing to AIDS and the family is at the receiving end, owing to some spiritual chastening. This leads to a virtual social boycott of the family. In midst of all this, there are two characters who walk in tandem with the proceedings. One is Chanda’s friend, Easther, a hooker and Mrs. Tafa, a middle aged member of the village. Sandwiched between the growing pressure of the community and the special affinity with Lillian, Chanda comes to the forefront.

As the state of Lillian’s health starts to degrade, Mrs. Tafa goes with the notion that she can make things better for Chanda, by moving her out of the tribe, as AIDS is taboo in the community. This is where Chanda takes the courage and shows her power of withstanding hardships to get her mother back. Mrs. Tafa’s decision is not acceptable to her and she shows great intelligence in dealing with social prejudices, superstitions and ignorance.