This Too Is Liberia
"This Too Is Liberia" is feature length documentary with the intent to amplify the voices of Liberians by discussing an unlikely topic, surfing. Through the eyes, Melvin S. Kabakole Jr. and his friend Philip Banini Jr., we are transported into Monrovia and Robertsport, Liberia.
We follow Melvin as he tries to maintain Waves For Change Monrovia, one of the only surf therapy programs in West Africa. Although Monrovia is by the sea, most of the community doesn't know how to swim which results in drownings. Due to issues with governmental greed and infrastructure, most of the community also does not have access to professional therapists.
This also reigns true for in Philip's hometown Robertsport, Liberia. However, unlike Monrovia, Robertsport is a local fishing port where most children learn how to swim from a young age. Philip tries to encourage Melvin to keep striving to help the children and parents in Monrovia overcome their fears of the ocean.
Through the journey of trying to build the program, Melvin and Philip both grow in incite to their community's need for council.