South Africa in 1994 was in the grip of massive social change. The transition from dictatorship to democracy also ushered in a massive crime wave that rocked the country. The Choir explores the consequences of this social upheaval in the struggle for humanity and redemption through music in South Africa’s biggest prison.

Shot over six years by Emmy award winning Australian filmmaker Michael Davie, the story follows a group of inmates – led by wily ex-bank robber Coleman – finding strength in the community of the prison choir. Coleman takes under his wing a rebellious and angry young prisoner, Jabulani Shabangu whose eventual release back onto the streets of Johannesburg is fraught with poverty and despair before his returned to prison.

Under the tough love of the choirmaster, Jabulani learns to respect others and behave with discipline. Mirroring their homeland’s struggle to deal with the past and forge a new identity, The Choir is testament to the power of music and self-belief.