The Elephants and the Grass

From EPF Media

Directed by Beau Rosario, Brandon Gulish

103 minutes / Color
Closed Captioned
Release: 2024
Copyright: 2022

Shamira Muhammed and her mother face a life-or-death decision in war-torn South Sudan, opting to trek 100 miles through harsh terrain to reach safety in a Ugandan refugee camp. The doc also recounts the ongoing struggle for peace in a country ravaged by one of the deadliest conflicts since WWII.

Reviews

"The film serves both as a history lesson and a story of individual perseverance."

"The Elephants and the Grass works both as a personal exploration of a mother and daughter fighting for their lives while also detailing the broader reasons for this fight in the first place. Both stories are fascinating and offer a glimpse into a world many of us may not know about."

"The Elephants and the Grass would be an impactful addition to both undergraduate and high school classrooms. In undergraduate settings, it can enhance courses on modern political struggles, global issues, and the consequences of war on non-combatants. The film's portrayal of the socio-political landscape and the human cost of conflict offers a vivid, real-world context for students studying contemporary global issues and international relations."

"For high school classes, particularly in history and social studies, the documentary provides a valuable resource for understanding modern African politics and history. By highlighting the experiences of individuals and communities caught in political turmoil, it helps students grasp the far-reaching impacts of political instability and warfare. Additionally, the film can be used in discussions on governance and human rights, fostering critical thinking and a deeper understanding of complex social dynamics."

 —Video Librarian

Citation
Main credits

Rosario, Beau (film director)
Rosario, Beau (film producer)
Gulish, Brandon (film director)
Gulish, Brandon (film producer)

Other credits

Editing, Beau Rosario, Aidan Guynes; music, Brooke Blair, Will Blair.


Citation
Cataloging
Keywords
South Sudan,Human Rights,Indigenous,Women's Rights,Revolution,Refugees,Civil War; "The Elephants and the Grass"; EPF Media
Clips
No clips are available yet.

New to 1stLook? We are focused on licensing films to schools, colleges and universities. To license a film, you must register and login. If you have registered at Docuseek, you may log in with your Docuseek credentials. Note that you must have licensing privileges at your institution to license films on 1stLook. If your institution has licensed the film, you must login in order to view a film.

Selected Accolades

  • Winner – Topanga Film Festival, US
    Official Selection – New Hampshire Film Festival, US
    Official Selection – Portland Film Festival, US