Water for Tonoumassé 1987
In the arid landscapes of southern Togo, Water for Tonoumassé (1987) captures a raw, eye-opening portrait of daily survival during the brutal dry season. Filmmaker Garry Beitel follows one woman whose relentless routine begins at 1 a.m.
Director: Garry Beitel
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Water for Tonoumassé (1987) about?
This documentary follows the daily struggle of women in southern Togo who trek for hours to collect contaminated water during the dry season. When they learn the water is unsafe, the villagers rally to drill a new well, with the women taking charge of the project and proving their leadership in a male-dominated society.
Who directed Water for Tonoumassé?
Garry Beitel directed this compelling documentary, capturing the raw realities of rural life in Togo with authenticity and empathy.
Who stars in Water for Tonoumassé?
The film features the women of Tonoumassé and the villagers as the main cast, with their stories and struggles at the heart of the documentary.
Is Water for Tonoumassé (1987) worth watching?
As a short but impactful documentary, Water for Tonoumassé offers a glimpse into real-world challenges and triumphs. While it doesn't have an IMDb rating, its themes of resilience and community-driven change make it a meaningful watch for those interested in social documentaries and global perspectives.
How long is Water for Tonoumassé?
Water for Tonoumassé has a runtime of 33 minutes.
Water for Tonoumassé (1987): A Ground-Level Look at Clean Water and Community Power
In the arid landscapes of southern Togo, Water for Tonoumassé (1987) captures a raw, eye-opening portrait of daily survival during the brutal dry season. Filmmaker Garry Beitel follows one woman whose relentless routine begins at 1 a.m.—an eight-hour journey just to fetch water, only to discover it's contaminated. What unfolds is a powerful testament to community effort as villagers band together to drill a clean well, a project spearheaded by the women of Tonoumassé. Far from passive participants, these women step into roles of leadership, managing funds and making pivotal decisions, reshaping traditions and proving their indispensable role in the village's future.
Directed by Garry Beitel, this 33-minute documentary unfolds with quiet urgency and authenticity, blending stark realism with the quiet triumph of collective action. Set against the sun-scorched backdrop of West Africa, the film explores themes of resilience, gender dynamics, and the transformative power of grassroots change. Water for Tonoumassé isn't just a story of thirst—it's a celebration of ordinary people reclaiming their agency and dignity.