We Are Together (Thina Simunye)

As the AIDS epidemic ravages Africa, the ones who succumb to the disease are not the only victims. When tens of thousands of parents die, their children are left to fend for themselves, and the Agape Orphanage in South Africa has become a home for a growing number of children who have lost their mothers and fathers. While the children of Agape have all been touched by tragedy, they've also adopted a unique means to cope -- music. As South African singing star Zwai Bala puts it, "We, South Africans, sing before we eat. We sing when we're happy, sing when we're sad. It's a healing thing." Music has become a balm for the Agape orphans, and they've formed a choral group whose music has attracted international acclaim. Documentary filmmaker Paul Taylor explores the tragic lives of the residents of the Agape Orphanage as well as the music that gives them strength in We Are Together (Thina Simunye), which profiles a handful of children who sing with the Agape group, and follows them as they use their growing reputation to help others like themselves. Featuring cameo appearances by Paul Simon and Alicia Keys, We Are Together (Thina Simunye) received its North American premiere at the 2007 Tribeca Film Festival.