Risk
Risk-taking is central to the plot of Africa United. Motivated by a dream of being at the World Cup final, the children take all sorts of risks, some of which put them in real danger.
Watch the clips on this page.
Phone in the Lake
- Watch the first 10 seconds of the clip again looking closely at Beatrice. What do you think is her attitude to Dudu's advice to Fabrice not to answer the phone? Do you think Beatrice is a risk-taker?
- How does Fabrice's mother describe Dudu? What does this suggest about her and her attitude to her son's friendship? In what ways might she regard their relationship as risky for her son?
- How do the filmmakers show us the characters' different feelings about Fabrice throwing away his phone? Look and listen out for music, a jump cut and close-ups.
- Would you ever consider taking any of the risks shown in this clip? Eg. Travelling with other children in a boat across a huge lake / being rude to your mother on the phone / Throwing away your mobile phone when you have no other means of communication. Explain your reasons. Do you see yourself as a risk taker? Why?
The Explosion
- How do the filmmakers create dramatic tension in this clip? Listen out for the soundtrack and look carefully at the camerawork.
- As well as being in the car to begin with, what other risks can you identify the children taking in this scene? Why do you think they take these risks?
- The men with guns find money by the car. How do you think this might be relevant to the story? Who do you think these men might be and why might they be chasing Foreman George? What clues does this scene give you about other risks the children may be taking?
- How does the very end of this scene cement the children's relationship further? What does this tell you about the connection in the film between risk taking and relationships? Do you have friendships with people that involve taking risks for each other? Explain your answers.