In the Shadow of the Sun
Globally acclaimed documentary ‘In the Shadow of the Sun’ explores the danger and discrimination suffered by albinos in Tanzania. fluoro was given an insight into the strength required to call for change.
In 2007 a surge of murders and attacks in Tanzania, specifically against albinos, revealed that witch doctors had proclaimed that albino limbs would bring good fortune. The sudden spark in murders caused those with albinism to live with a sense of unpredictable danger.
The making of ‘In the Shadow of the Sun’ saw director Harry Freeland spend over six years in Africa. After being handed an albino child on the streets of Tanzania, it was presumed that because he was white the child must somehow be connected to him. Freeland felt a desire to explore the story further. What results, is an intimate portrait of individuals facing a prejudice based on superstition.
Through two central narratives Freeland shows two personalities pursuing change. Josephat Turner, an albino who felt compelled to act, sets out armed with the gift of education, on a mission to educate and prevent further killings. His journey sees him meet other people who are living with albinism, including 15-year old Vedastus. Vedastus had been forced out of school and tormented by an ill-educated society. What Vedastus dreamt of was having an education to learn the skills to turn his models of televisions and satellites into functioning creations.
Freeland’s immersion in the topic of albinism has extended beyond the film itself. Freeland and Turner plan to travel Tanzania using ‘In the Shadow of the Sun’ a medium to educate Africans on albinism.
‘In the Shadow of the Sun’ is screening as part of the Human Rights Arts and Film Festival in capital cities around Australia, until Thursday 6 June 2013.
