Watch They Are We

They Are We is a heartwarming documentary film that explores the connection between family members who were separated by the slave trade, and the journey they take towards reuniting. The film is set in Cuba, where a group of villagers, called the Ganga, has been preserving their ancestors' African heritage through music and dance for generations. In 2011, they were approached by a group of American researchers who realized that the Ganga's songs and rituals bore strong similarities to those of an Afro-Cuban community in the United States.

After a lengthy investigation, the researchers discovered that the Ganga's ancestors had been captured and sold into slavery in the late 1700s, and had ended up on a plantation in Virginia. They then followed the descendants of the Virginia slaves, who had migrated to Liberia in the early 1800s, and eventually connected with their family members in the Ganga community.

The film documents the emotional reunion between the two groups, as the Ganga learn about their ancestors' journey and history from their long-lost relatives. The Virginia and Liberian descendants bring with them photographs, documents and stories that provide a glimpse into the lives of the Ganga's ancestors, and help them connect with their own personal histories.

The film is told through a mix of archival footage, interviews, and reenactments of both the slave trade and the Ganga's ancestral traditions. It also includes a heartwarming moment when the Ganga give their American relatives a gift of a sacred object, which they had kept safe throughout the years despite not understanding its significance.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the joy and hope that shines through despite the adversity faced by the Ganga and their ancestors. Through their music and dance, they celebrate their heritage and find a sense of belonging, even as they struggle with poverty and discrimination.

The film also highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of globalization and modernization. The Ganga are shown struggling to maintain their traditions and pass them on to future generations, as younger members leave the village in search of work in the city.

Overall, They Are We is a moving and inspiring film that reminds us of the power of family and cultural heritage to connect us across time and distance, and to bring hope and joy even in the face of adversity.

They Are We is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.6.