Save The Children puts a dark spin on Survivor

In a week when there has been fresh controversy over the British government’s handling of migrants, many of whom are fleeing conflict, this impactful film asks us to consider helping those who cannot save themselves. 

Created by Oslo agency POL, and directed by Tomas Jonsgården, through B-Reel Films, the film Save The Survivors is an epic, cinematic depiction of the vulnerability of two children orphaned and displaced by war.

Opening with the sad truth that it is based on true stories, it follows the story of a brother and sister who flee the bombing of their home and embark on a terrifying hunt for safe haven. As their journey throws up perils and violence, the strains of the song’s chorus, “I’m a survivor, I’m going to make it,” can be heard. 

Here produced by Ohlogy and re-arranged and performed by ARY and Harpreet Bansal with a more ghostly, desperate air, the song was originally a punchy anthem to self-belief, recorded by the group Destiny's Child and composed by group members Beyoncé, Anthony Dent, and Mathew Knowles. 

The original track was inspired by a radio station’s jocular comparison of the band to a reality game show, Survivor, following the quitting of three band members. Beyoncé aimed to take the negativity out of the comment by writing a positive song about it. 

The song’s rallying cry that survival comes from inner strength is here countered by the fact that victims of war face desperate situations where they have no agency. 

Look out for shots upcoming interview with the director about the making of the film.