“Butoyi” from Camera etc. (Belgium) and a group of young woman from Burundi

Butoyi was produced in affiliation with War Child, an international organization whose mission is to “provide psychosocial support, stimulate education, and protect children from the effects of war.” The short film is a product of War Child’s work with child refugees from Burundi; given the platform to tell their story and express themselves creatively, the Burundian girls chose to create a story about their reality.

These twelve young girls from the Cibitoke province of Burundi told the story of Butoyi, a young female ram (around 13 years old) who lives in a small village. In class, the teacher notes that Butoyi is the smartest student and that her future is bright. A few years later, however, Butoyi’s mother decides that she is a grown lady who must stay home from school and commit to domestic duties. Butoyi is disappointed that she can no longer participate in activities enjoyed by her brothers, including attending school. A montage demonstrates the initial novelty, but eventual monotony, of performing female-oriented village work.