Kassim the Dream

Really great documentary profiling world champion boxer Kassim "The Dream" Ouma. Born in poverty in Uganda, he was kidnapped at age 6 by the rebel army and trained as a child soldier. 12 years later he defected to the U.S while travelling with the African boxing team. Homeless and culture shocked, Kassim goes on to become Junior Middleweight Champion of the World.

Kassim's story is so remarkable that its almost unbelievable, the adversity he has had to overcome and the success he has achieved. I think what struck me most watching this was his smile, how happy he seemed and then the director would catch a moment, as he looked out a bus window or discussed his grandmother and shadows would cover his eyes.

Filmmaker Kief Davidson did a great job here, and you feel as if for just a moment you understand Kassim I was engrossed in watching him train for his next fight, keep his family together and try to keep fame and a hip-hop lifestyle at bay. I know I was brought to tears when he is finally given a military pardon by the Ugandan president and is able to reunite with his family, going back to the refugee camp a hero and sobbing on his fathers grave. Powerful. 1/10/15