When Violeta Ayala and Dan Fallshaw began filming Stolen, they were simply trying to film a family reunion.  The Polisario-fun Sahawari refugee camp in Algeria works with the UN to reunite families who have no seen each other for many years.  In this film, Ayala and Fallshaw were going to tell us Fatim's story.  As filming progressed, they were being told by several refugees living in the camp that slavery still took place these days.  Slavery is common practice in several North African countries, including Morocco, Algeria and Mauritania.  This is where the film would take a different turn... this is where the controvery behind this film began.

Even before the premiere of their film in Sydney, Australia the filmmakers had been dealing with hassles from the Polisario and the Algerian government.  In not so many words, they were been told not to show this film.  The Polisario eventually got Fatim and her family to recant her story and say that their stories were manipulated in a way that isn't true.  For the several months, the film's validity has been questioned.  In fact, who is telling the truth here? The filmmakers who want to expose a very troublesome issue or Fetim and her family who simply want to have a regular life in the camps?  You will have to see the film and make your decision.  You can also read about this controvery online.  The film will also create debate about the relationship that develops between the documentary filmmakers and their subject.  The point here is that we can take part in exploring the issue and become more informed.  

During the Q&A last night, the audience responded positively to the film.  The filmmakers discuss their film in more detail in the video below.  Towards the end of the Q&A, a man (who speaks Hassiniya) had to make a point to challenge the filmmakers by citing a list of sources that state the translation in the film is not accurate; to which Ayala responded that a very credible Hassiniya translator verified the subtitles of the film.  He still continued to list other sources on the internet that challenge the integrity and honesty of the film.  At this point, the rest of the audience began to ask him to stop rambling.  The last question of the session was about how the we can get involved and help the people of Norther Africa who are still living in slavery.  Ayala listed several organisation such as, Slavery Internation (London, UK) and Free the Slaves (North America).  They also mentioned that new projects to help these people need to start up.  It seems like the discussions and debates will continue.

For info on when you can see this film again, click here.

N.B. In case video does not work here, use this URL  

(Photo by Heidy M.)