The Lost Boys

This documentary follows a bunch of orphaned Sudanese young men, who are sent to Boston as refugees because of the raging civil war.

Having come from VERY basic conditions in their nomad village, their grasp of English isn't very good, and they need to learn from the start how to live their day-to-day life in a society completely different to what they are used to.

Before their flight to Boston they are taught very superficially two things: How to use a toilet (most have never used one), and to comply if an officer tells you to stop, because "he might think you're taking out a gun". Sounds nice, eh? In Boston they're treated well but sadly their orienteering isn't getting any better. The immigration personnel isn't making a very good contact with the guys, who are already distracted with home sickness and the big change in their life.

Eventually they apply for work and are given menial jobs like standing in front of a hotel entrance and smiling to customers. Sounds pitiful but unfortunately they cannot expect much more since they are not familiar with the social skills in the western world and they really don't speak the language yet.

The documentary stops a bit abruptly, and after the Africa part the men don't talk to the camera and we don't really get to know what they are thinking about.

Despite this the documentary is insightful and lets the viewer really understand that the change from Africa to America isn't just the different climate.