The inspiring film The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind tells the story of how one extraordinary African boy, thanks to his talent and interest in physics, was able to help his entire community survive a severe period of drought and famine.

This true story follows the life of a young boy named William Kamkwambi, who comes from a poor farming family in Malawi. His parents pay for William’s education, but the family’s situation gradually begins to deteriorate.

When a devastating drought and famine strike the country, William loses hope of continuing his studies. Thanks to his ingenuity and interest in physics, he devises a way to obtain water for irrigation.

However, the implementation of William’s invention is met with resistance and distrust from his father. The desperate situation eventually leads his community to see him as their last hope for survival. Their trust in William pays off.

His water pump saves many people from starvation. Among other things, the film highlights the great self-sacrifice of the parents and the emphasis on family unity shown by both the father and mother.

Drama

United Kingdom, 2019, 113 min

Crew: Chiwetel Ejiofor

Cast: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Noma Dumezweni, Joseph Marcell, Aïssa Maïga, Lemogang Tsipa

Parents’ Guide

About one instance of lovers kissing.

A few instances of violent fighting, one instance of the mayor being lynched.

The phrase “for God’s sake.” Two instances of William’s desperate mother grumbling about the practice of faith.

Robbery during the onset of a famine. One instance of deceiving a mother and a serious argument between a son and his father.

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