Filmmaker Louise Hogarth’s documentary Angels in the Dust chronicles one of the most uplifting yet unsung stories of our time: that of the Botshabelo Orphanage outside of Johannesburg, South Africa.
Founded by Marion and Con Cloete to bring food and shelter, as well love and understanding to African children ostracized by their peers and families, it is currently hosting a few hundreds children. The discrimination finds many sources, from AIDS and HIV infection to histories of sexual abuse to racist sentiment, but consistently yields tragedy in the lives of the young.

We all know some of the alarming statistics: An estimated 5.6 million people were living with HIV and AIDS in South Africa in 2009, more than in any other country. Almost one-in-three women aged 25-29, and over a quarter of men aged 30-34, are living with HIV. It is estimated there are 1.9 million AIDS orphans in South Africa.

And totally criminally in the face of such an epidemic, false ideas about HIV/AIDS have been spread by “HIV denialists”. In this documentary, some of the misinformation appears on the front page of a Newspaper: “just have olive oil, beetroot, cabbage and garlic it’s gonna save us!!” This diet was promoted by Dr Manto, the Minister of Health, during nine years from 1999 to 2008!!!!

But more than the alarming situation, it is the tireless optimism, joy and strength that keeps Marion helping and comforting anyone on her road and the deeply touching ability of Marion and Con Cloete’s children, to fight for their lives, that make this documentary an absolute must see. I wish I could find the words to explain all the beauty of this woman’s approach, and the warmth of her heart.

Additionally Hogarth designed her film as a tool to end the ongoing crisis of infant rape and as a much needed humanist reflection on the way in which grassroots compassion can help turn broken lives around. After finishing the film, she continued her involvement by starting the DO Ubuntu Orphan Bracelet Campaign. More to come about this campaign on our blog in the coming days.

Available on Netflix Instant play, or purchase the dvd here.