In this appealing adventure story for older children, a talented Rwandan teenager has hopes of being selected by FIFA for the 2010 World Cup opening ceremony. But thanks to his bumbling fast-talking pal, the boys end up travelling to South Africa under their own steam. What follows is, in essence, a portrait of Africa for 12-plus viewers, blending bumps and scrapes, comedy and high jinks, with the very real issues affecting the continent - including Aids, poverty and civil conflict. Amazingly, it works pretty well, thanks in no small part to delightful performances from footballing hopeful Roger Nsengiyumva and his motor-mouth "manager" Eriya Ndayambaje. Africa United is never less than jaunty, the locations are suitably vivid, and the intention to make a film about the "real" Africa that's not all doom and gloom can't be faulted. It's only a rather lacklustre finale that slightly dampens one's enthusiasm.

The extraordinary story of three Rwandan children who attempt to realize the dream of their life: to attend the opening ceremony of the FIFA World Cup 2010 at Johannesburg.