Mende fisherman captured by the Revolutionary United Front (RUF) rebels, and an American journalist constitute an unlikely group, yet they set out on a mission together in search of a rare and valuable diamond in the 2006 film "Blood Diamond." The movie is set against the backdrop of Africa's political turmoil and was presented by Building Tomorrow last Thursday night.
The film is packed with everything the typical American moviegoer could want – thrills, action and Leonardo DiCaprio. But it also includes deeper content such as the ways American consumers unknowingly fund bloodshed in Africa by purchasing so-called "conflict diamonds." Leonardo DiCaprio's character, Danny Archer, was even involved in smuggling diamonds that were used to fund rebel forces.
The connection between Americans at home and African conflict is further illustrated by the character of Maddy Bowen, played by Jennifer Connelly. An American investigative journalist, Bowen gathers information that will help her break the story of illegal diamond smuggling to the American public. When asked by Soloman Vandy, a Mende fisherman played by Djimon Hounsou, if her story will move Americans to action, Bowen replies with a disappointing and yet provocative "probably not."
The film, though, addresses issues beyond conflict diamonds and American awareness. Blood Diamond also indirectly makes allusions to the same problems in Africa that Building Tomorrow, through its efforts to promote education in Uganda and eventually all of sub-Saharan Africa, seeks to solve.
Dia, Soloman Vandy's son, represents the importance of education to a sense of well being. A battle of sorts is waged over his mind, as the rebel forces attempt to brainwash him while his father strives to educate him.
Like Building Tomorrow, Soloman knows that the foundation for a stable, thriving country lies in the minds of the children. The Davidson chapter of Building Tomorrow, with the help of the students, has raised two-thirds of the funds necessary to build a school in Uganda. Through such events as last week's showing of Blood Diamond, the members of Building Tomorrow hope to raise awareness of the importance of education. They would like to raise the remaining funds by the end of this school year.
"We don't just want to ask students for their money. Awareness is just as important. We want Davidson students to consider the value of their education, because it's often taken for granted," said Rebecca McQuade '11, Building Tomorrow's co-President.
If you missed the Blood Diamond showing, don't worry; Building Tomorrow has plenty up their sleeve for Davidson students this semester. This Friday they'll be hosting a cookout with burgers, hotdogs, and vegetarian options on Patterson Court lawn. Cat cards will be taken, but you can also buy tickets in advance at the Alvarez Student Union. For more information on Building Tomorrow, email Lindsay Kallman.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article!