bassculture islands
a 5-hour flight away, the
all-inclusive hotels give
them the perfect package
for the ‘triple-s’ African
adventure of sun, sea and
sex.
luck abroad or find their
peace at home? Taking
a light but critical tone,
Welcome to the Smiling
Coast shows the varied
and creative alternative strategies Gambian
youngsters employ to
secure their livelihood.
Capturing their struggles, hopes and dreams,
the documentary puts a
human and positive face
on the informal economy that lies behind the
glitter of the Smiling
Coast of Africa.
Ironically, many Gambians, particularly youngsters, reside in poor
neighborhoods only a
few steps away from the
tourist hotels and beaches. With this lure of a
better future just around
the corner, the dangerous ‘back way’ across
deserts and high seas to
Europe is always linger- The first test screening
ing in their minds. Do of the film took place
they eventually try their on Wednesday March
25 at Movies that Matter, the annual human
rights film festival of
Amnesty International
in the Netherlands. The
sold-out screening was
joined by the film’s director Bas Ackermann
(Upperunder / State of
Mic) and Alhagie Manka, one of the Gambian
youngers appearing in
the documentary. Welcome to the Smiling
Coast will soon be entering the international film
festival circuit.