Phil Grabsky

Escape from Luanda Phil Grabsky

Documentary that follows three students at the Music School in Luanda, Angola's first and only school of its kind. Angola was at war for decades. An estimated 1.5 million were killed, 500,000 of whom were children.

The school, funded by the Angolan government, houses some 150 students, most of them desperately poor. Many face disapproval and outright rejection from their families, who can't see a future in music. Despite this, the talent, drive and dedication of the students as they work their way through the school year, culminating with the end of year concert and exam results, is truly inspiring.