The film won the International Ambassador Film Award at Rhode Island International Film Festival late last year.
The filmmakers, Marla Altschuler and Gathered Moss Production's Tamarin Kaplan couldn't be happier: "We are honoured and humbled that this film that we spend so many years making seems to be striking a chord with international audiences," said Kaplan.
The project was seven years in the making and was co-directed by Kaplan and Altschuler (Tfor2 films).
The White Picket Fence Project is a coming-of-age documentary that follows the lives of two young men, striving for a brighter future. Valon, of Roma (gypsy) descent, living in post-war Kosovo and Loyiso, a student living in Gugulethu. Although they live worlds apart, Loyiso and Valon share the experience of growing up in countries that have endured turbulent racial and ethnic histories of conflict and oppression. They are connected by ambition, hope and a quest for an education that will open doors to opportunities that we all take for granted, despite the cards they were dealt. They document their own journey through video diaries, interviews and "slice of life" portrayals. Full of unexpected and inspiring moments, this is their story, in their own words, of their journey into manhood.
