Lessons of Basketball and War

“Lessons of Basketball and War” explores universal issues of violence, prejudice, cultural identity and conflict resolution as seen through the eyes of adolescent girls – refugees from war and famine in Somalia who have resettled in a strange foreign city. Will Muslim tradition and beliefs survive the onslaught of sexualized, celebrity obsessed America? Will teachers be able to help students with little previous education, rudimentary English and a propensity for an abhorrent form of personal violence? This film offers an entertaining and moving account of a year in their young lives and the challenges faced by one dedicated educator and peacemaker.