ABC Africa

2001. Iran/France. Commissioned by the United Nations to make a film about women left behind and children orphaned by AIDS and war in Uganda, Kiarostami made a research trip to the country. He and his cameraman found themselves surrounded by beauty, energy, and resilience, contrasted with (a few) scenes of devastation and darkness—all of which were captured using digital cameras. The director decided to use this travel diary to fashion an ode to life, as embodied by the vitality of the Ugandan people. 85 min.