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The Story of the Lost Boys of Sudan

BY CHRISTOPHER J. TROILO
UMConnection Movie Reviewer

There are still movies that can bring audiences to laughter, to tears and to think, all in one sitting. These are the kind of movies that portray a wonderful raw human spirit, and demand us to compare it to our own lives and the world we live in. 'God Grew Tired of Us' is, without a doubt, one of those movies.

I knew nothing about this documentary when I went to the screening, but this is one of those stories and experiences captured on film all should see and learn about.

For close to five years, writer and director Christopher Dillon Quinn spent time with the Lost Boys of Sudan. His engagement with them started when he began interviewing and filming them in their refugee camps in Kenya and Uganda.

These native Sudanese boys and men were the victims of extreme persecution derived from their homeland. When Sudan erupted in a violent civil war, the young males had two choices: exile or death.

Close to 22,000 boys faced starvation and fatal illnesses as they trekked on foot for miles south through the desert. Many died. Those who made it across the border would then endure camp life, separated from their families, having only the bare necessities and each other to sustain them.

Fourteen grueling years later, some of them were given, what was to them, the fulfillment of their wildest dreams -- a brand new life full of opportunity and possibility. Several boys (having become men) were granted asylum in the United States. They would be permitted, under federal foreign relief aid, to come to America in order to find jobs, education and hopefully a fresh start.

'God Grew Tired of Us' is the actual footage of a few of these men as they make their way from the camp in Kenya to the United States. The film chronicles the experiences they have en route, upon arrival, and while trying to establish their lives in a new country for the next three to four years.

What people must remember is that these Lost Boys had never even seen electricity, a shower, airplanes or a supermarket. It?s almost as if the audience is watching young kids, full of innocence and wonder, suddenly transported forward through time. Their reactions and interactions with all the 'new inventions' and new people could be viewed as a marvel of sociology in itself, but the film goes deeper than that.

The Lost Boys? outlook, especially on American culture, customs and social privileges we often take for granted, is what gives the film supreme heart. These refugees, given all the strife they had endured, you might think, would be bitter and angry at the world. On the contrary, these men are the most upbeat, optimistic, friendly and generous human beings you have ever witnessed. Perhaps this is because not a second goes by that they are not grateful for still having the gift of life.

The Lost Boys in turn wonder why Americans do not share this outlook. To them, we are a solitary and lonely community when compared to the 'large family' Sudanese style of culture. They are perplexed by the idea that if we are all Americans, why aren?t we more social towards each other? Why don?t we comfort each other and do more to help others in need?

Unbiased and with extreme innocence, they make comments like '?the Christmas tree, well it is really, really beautiful, but I don?t understand, what does it have to do with the birth of Jesus? ? all we do at Christmas is get excited and dance for His coming.'

The movie is filled with such personal insights, which are coming to us from outside vantage points. They perhaps pose questions about our culture we may want to direct to ourselves personally.

What makes 'God Grew Tired of Us' such a remarkable story are the accomplishments the Lost Boys achieve once they arrive in America. They make remarkable strides in their lives, their family?s lives and lives of their countrymen still stuck in refugee camps or in Sudan.

Watching these men, who were essentially aliens in a foreign land, working relentlessly to better the world they know, is nothing short of awe inspiring.

It is my hope that everyone can experience this documentary, because even with all the positives I?ve outlined, there?s still much more that makes this film so great. It delves into ideas and themes about cultural identity, courage, foreign aid policies, perseverance and the true meaning of family, to mention only a few.

It?s going to be a little hard to find it, but seek out your local independent movie theater and try to go. Spend an afternoon or night with your family watching one of the best windows into human life I have ever seen. At the end you will find you were entertained, educated, moved and inspired. Is there really anything better?

9.7 out of 10

Questions and comments to the writer are encouraged. He can be reached by e-mail at