Angola was at war for decades. An estimated 1.5 million were killed, 500,000 of whom were children. With funding from the Angolan government, the Music School in Luanda is Angola's first and only school of its kind. It houses some 150 students, most of them desperately poor. Many face disapproval and outright rejection from their families, who can't see a future in music. Despite this, the talent, drive and dedication of the students is inspiring. Escape from Luanda follows three central characters as they work their way through the school year, culminating with the end of year concert and exam results.


Angola/UK, 2007, 72mins, doc, Portuguese with English subtitles, Phil Grabsky, dir.