| The Choir | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Michael Davie |
| Written by | Michael Davie |
| Produced by | Michael Davie Chris Hilton |
| Starring | Jabulani Shabangu Coleman Mgogodio |
| Cinematography | Carlos Carvalho Michael Davie |
| Edited by | Ben Deacon David Lourie Karin Steininger |
| Music by | Felicity Fox |
Release date |
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Running time | 88 minutes |
| Country | Australia |
| Language | English |
The Choir is a 2008 documentary film directed by Michael Davie. It profiles a choir in Leeuwkop Prison, near Johannesburg, following one prisoner over a four year period. [1] [2]
Variety's Russell Edwards writes "Paradoxical images of hardened criminals with voices like angels are uplifting from the outset, but Zimbabwe-born helmer, Michael Davie transcends feel-good shortcuts to unblinkingly explore convicts’ lives. " [3] The Manawatu Standard's Peter Lampp gave it 3 stars and finishes "Anyone with a trace of humanity will emerge from The Choir with a lump in their throat and an appreciation for our simple luxuries. That African chanting and dancing grows on you, too." [4] Writing for the Age Philippa Hawker gave it 3 1/2 stars saying "THE Choir is a testimony to the redemptive power of song, but it is a thoughtful film that does not take this potential for granted." [5] Leigh Paatsch of the Herald Sun gave it 4 stars and finishes "In spite of the sweet sounds that dominate here, The Choir is resolutely tough stuff from start to finish.." [6]