Marguerite’s Fearless Journey
Title: Marguerite’s Fearless Journey
Directed by
Oystein Rakkenes
Pål Christian Buntz
Country: Burundi
Duration: 59 minutes 55 seconds
SYNOPSIS
In the aftermath of witnessing the execution of 72 friends and colleagues, Marguerite Barankitse embarks on an extraordinary mission in Burundi.
Fueled by an unwavering determination to shield her people from the ravages of conflict, incessant wars, and corrupt governance, Marguerite strives to create a new generation capable of fostering a peaceful and just society.
Despite having rescued over 20,000 children, she finds herself perilously placed on the death list of the Burundian government.
The question remains: Can Marguerite successfully realize her vision, or will the ruthless regime kill her or silence her courageous pursuit for a better future?
Directors’ Bio
Oystein Rakkenes
Oystein has a background in the National Broadcasting, NRK, in Norway. Here he was trained to present news and views for radio and television, and also was trained in documentary filmmaking. Later, Oystein became a teacher at NRK Media Training Academy, producing radio and TV programs for broadcasting.
Oystein has also written several books and worked as a media teacher for the Tibetans in exile in Northern India. Together with Paal Chr. Buntz established Mpower Media 20 years ago and has won both national and international awards for the documentaries they have made.
Director Statement
The first time I met Marguerite, I thought this was a little Mandela, a little Mother Teresa and a bit of Mahatma Gandhi in one person. But most of all, I was, and still am, impressed by her brave and original ways of saving children who are refugees or have lost their families in civil wars.
Marguerite Barankitse has done what the politicians in Burundi have failed to do. She has built schools, cooperatives for the farmers and the most modern hospital in her home country.
She has saved more than 20,000 children and shown East Africa’s leaders how a person with a humanitarian vision can rebuild broken societies and help people in dire need. On top of that, the regime in Burundi has put her on a death list and declared her an enemy of the state. As a filmmaker, I feel it is my moral duty to give the world a portrait of such a brave individual. Marguerite is really one of a kind.
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