Directors Intent

Angels in the Dust

Before deciding to make this documentary, I heard many stories of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa but what affected me most was the vast number of children left alone with no one to look after them.

South Africa is among the hardest hit nations in the world, with more AIDS orphans than any other country.

Many live in child-headed households, where the eldest raises the younger siblings; others end up living on the streets. Without parents or caregivers to provide for and protect them, orphaned children often suffer from abject poverty, hunger and poor health and are victims of violence or sexual coercion.

These reports and statistics made me very sad and determined to make a film that offered hope.

I found the Boikarabelo orphanage. My film centers on the compelling and charismatic founder of the orphanage, Marion Cloete and her incredible young charges, orphans suffering from AIDS and the terrible effects of all the afore-mentioned ills.

Ultimately, Angels in the Dust is about hope. The film brings audiences together in heightened awareness and collective effort. It helps all who see it move away from despair over mind-numbing statistics and take concrete steps towards viable solutions impacting real human beings.

Please join with us to help the mothers and children and be part of the solution by hosting a fundraising dinner, screenings and other event.

Louise Hogarth