'God Loves Uganda' on TV, DVD today in U.S., Canada
The award-winning documentary “God Loves Uganda” will be shown nationwide in the United States tonight on PBS stations as part of the show “Independent Lens.”
The 83-minute documentary looks at the role played by American missionaries in shaping views on social issues, especially homosexuality, in the East African nation.
IMDB.com describes the 2013 film as “a powerful exploration of the evangelical campaign to infuse African culture with values imported from America’s Christian Right.” Sundance described it as “masterfully crafted and astonishingly provocative.”
In coordination with today’s showing, the book American Culture Warriors in Africa: A Guide to the Exporters of Homophobia and Sexism by Zambian native the Rev. Dr. Kapya Kaoma is being published today.
The book has been endorsed by the film’s director, Roger Ross Williams, who said of it: “As people learn more about Americans driving anti-LGBTQ animus and legislation in Uganda and beyond, they ask ‘What can I do to stop this?’ American Culture Warriors in Africa is the perfect companion piece to God Loves Uganda, and should be read by anyone who wants answers to that question.”
The book, available for $14.95 plus shipping, includes:
- Profiles of the American evangelists most responsible for the international assault on LGBTQ people and reproductive justice.
- An overview of their culture war campaigns in Africa.
- Guidelines for concrete action we can take here in the U.S. to interrupt the continued export of American culture wars abroad—including a case study in effective local organizing.
Kaoma is featured in several articles published on the Erasing 76 Crimes blog, several of them as the author. (See below.)
The book is also endorsed by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who said:
“Each of us has a role in stopping the persecution of sexual minorities across the globe. Kapya Kaoma and Political Research Associates are showing us why it is urgent that we do so–and how and where to begin. I highly recommend American Culture Warriors in Africa, as an excellent starting point for all who are committed to ending oppression and sharing the true message of God’s all-inclusive love.”
“God Loves Uganda” is also being released today on DVD with bonus materials, reportedly including a link to the St. Paul’s Foundation for International Reconciliation. The film is also available on Netflix, for rent on iTunes for $1.99, and for purchase from Amazon for $23.
In March, he appeared in Los Angeles with Ugandan activist Clare Byarugaba. During that appearance, Williams called Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni as “a dictator using the LGBT community as a scapegoat,” whose goal is “to distract the public from the real issues, corruption and survival,” and turn them against “a vulnerable population on which they can take out their frustration.”
More by the Rev. Dr. Kapya Kaoma
- Don’t cut ties with Uganda; that’s an anti-gay trap (76crimes.com)
- Uganda: Canny political ploy sets stage for gay deaths (76crimes.com)
- Prediction: Here’s why Museveni will sign anti-gay bill (76crimes.com)
- Why African leaders attack gays; is gay genocide next? (76crimes.com)
- What African LGBTs can learn from Tata Mandela (76crimes.com)
- Does God Make Mistakes? Addressing the issue of Gays (Lusaka Times)
- Globalizing the Culture Wars: U.S. Conservatives, African Churches, and Homophobia (2009, Political Research Associates)
- Colonizing African Values (2012, Political Research Associates)
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