TOPOWA! NEVER GIVE UP! is an inspirational documentary that explores the transformative power of music for 12 young teacher musicians, many of whom grew up as street children in some of the toughest slums in Uganda. We follow them from their home in Kampala to some of the biggest music stages in the world where they perform with Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and virtuoso trumpeter Alison Balsom OBE.
This is a story of resilience and hope, carried along by a joyous celebration of music and life. At the heart of this film: the power of music to change lives and a charity called Brass for Africa. A charity that provides musical education for disadvantaged children and young people in Uganda, Liberia and Rwanda.
From the dusty dirt roads of Katwe slum to the paved streets of London and the fields of Cheltenham Festival. We follow Julius, Sumayya, Tadeo, Gilbert and the Brass For Africa band as they are welcomed to the UK for an unforgettable experience that will transform their lives forever and empower the next generation of musicians to follow their dreams - 'Topowa! Never give up!’ The film was produced and self-financed by PHIX FILM, which launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to raise funds for post-production costs.
Winner of Best Music Documentary at Raindance Film Festival 2020
“TOPOWA! is a love letter to music and creativity in the best possible way, showcasing how great art can, at its best, break down barriers between classes, cultures and levels of privilege. It’s as uplifting and as optimistic as cinema, in this year from hell, can get.” ★★ ★ ★ ★ - Flickering Myth
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/topowa-film
- Year2020
- Runtime90 minutes
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RatingU
- DirectorPhilip Sansom, Inigo Gilmore
- CastWynton Marsalis, Alison Balsom, Namugera Julius, Nabakooza Sumayya, Kamukama Tadeo, Mugisha Gilbert Bens, Kibuuka Ivan, Bagumirabingi Joseph Best, Bogere Emmanuel, Akampulira Bruce, Mwebe Julius, Nangobi Sharon Brenda, Nyombi Micheal Feston and Ssegawa Disan.
TOPOWA! NEVER GIVE UP! is an inspirational documentary that explores the transformative power of music for 12 young teacher musicians, many of whom grew up as street children in some of the toughest slums in Uganda. We follow them from their home in Kampala to some of the biggest music stages in the world where they perform with Jazz legend Wynton Marsalis and virtuoso trumpeter Alison Balsom OBE.
This is a story of resilience and hope, carried along by a joyous celebration of music and life. At the heart of this film: the power of music to change lives and a charity called Brass for Africa. A charity that provides musical education for disadvantaged children and young people in Uganda, Liberia and Rwanda.
From the dusty dirt roads of Katwe slum to the paved streets of London and the fields of Cheltenham Festival. We follow Julius, Sumayya, Tadeo, Gilbert and the Brass For Africa band as they are welcomed to the UK for an unforgettable experience that will transform their lives forever and empower the next generation of musicians to follow their dreams - 'Topowa! Never give up!’ The film was produced and self-financed by PHIX FILM, which launched a crowdfunding campaign in order to raise funds for post-production costs.
Winner of Best Music Documentary at Raindance Film Festival 2020
“TOPOWA! is a love letter to music and creativity in the best possible way, showcasing how great art can, at its best, break down barriers between classes, cultures and levels of privilege. It’s as uplifting and as optimistic as cinema, in this year from hell, can get.” ★★ ★ ★ ★ - Flickering Myth
https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/topowa-film
- Year2020
- Runtime90 minutes
- CountryUnited Kingdom
- RatingU
- DirectorPhilip Sansom, Inigo Gilmore
- CastWynton Marsalis, Alison Balsom, Namugera Julius, Nabakooza Sumayya, Kamukama Tadeo, Mugisha Gilbert Bens, Kibuuka Ivan, Bagumirabingi Joseph Best, Bogere Emmanuel, Akampulira Bruce, Mwebe Julius, Nangobi Sharon Brenda, Nyombi Micheal Feston and Ssegawa Disan.