Watch The Pearl of Africa

The Pearl of Africa is a documentary film from 2016 that follows the life of Cleopatra Kambuga, a transgender woman from Uganda who is fighting for her rights and acceptance in a society that is hostile towards the LGBTQ+ community. The film is directed by Jonny von Wallström and produced by Ugandan LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, Spectrum Uganda Initiatives.

The film starts with Cleo's life before she transitioned into a woman. She grew up in a small village in Uganda, where she faced discrimination and violence because of her feminine behavior. But despite the challenges, Cleo decided to embrace her true self and transition into a woman. This decision came with its own set of challenges, as the Ugandan society is not tolerant of LGBT people. She faced ridicule from her family and community, and was even forced to drop out of school.

Cleo's story takes a positive turn when she meets Nelson, a Swedish man who had come to Uganda to work with children. The two fall in love and decide to get married. But their happiness was short-lived, as the Ugandan government introduced the Anti-Homosexuality Act, which criminalized same-sex relationships and made it a punishable offense. Cleo and Nelson's marriage was nullified, and they were forced to flee the country to escape persecution.

The Pearl of Africa follows Cleo and Nelson's journey to seek asylum in Sweden, where they hoped to start a new life together. However, the process of seeking asylum proved to be difficult, as they had to convince the authorities that Cleo's life was in danger if she returned to Uganda. The film highlights the challenges that LGBT refugees face, as they seek safety and acceptance in a new country.

The documentary not only sheds light on Cleo and Nelson's struggles, but also on the broader issues faced by the LGBT community in Uganda. It includes interviews with other LGBT activists who are fighting for their rights, as well as with members of the Ugandan government who defend the Anti-Homosexuality Act. Through these interviews, the film explores the cultural, religious, and political factors that contribute to the discrimination against LGBT people in Uganda.

One of the strengths of The Pearl of Africa is the way it introduces Cleo as a courageous, resilient, and inspiring person. She is not portrayed as a victim, but rather as a fighter who is determined to make a difference in the world. Her love for dance and music also adds a poetic element to the film, as it shows how art can be a form of resistance in oppressive environments.

The cinematography of the film is stunning, as it captures the beauty of Uganda's landscapes and the vibrancy of its people. The use of music and sound is also effective in enhancing the emotional impact of the film.

Overall, The Pearl of Africa is a powerful and moving documentary that educates and inspires its viewers. It shines a light on the challenges faced by the LGBT community in Uganda and around the world, and shows how love and resilience can triumph over adversity. Cleo's story is one that needs to be heard, and the documentary does justice to her struggle for acceptance and dignity.