Portuguese director Zeze Gamboa's first feature film, O Herói (The Hero), explores the tormented social, economic, and political situation of a country torn apart by 27 years of war. It traces the life of 35-year-old Vitorio, a soldier who goes back to his hometown after losing a leg in the Angolan civil war. Upon return, he finds himself homeless. Despite his lack of prospects, Vitorio is still hopeful for a better future until his prosthetic leg is stolen. Yet, Vitorio's arduous journey to rebuild his life brings him moments of warmth and kindness from complete strangers.

The African Video and Film Series is sponsored by the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies and is free and open to the public.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact the Frederick Douglass Institute at (585) 275-7235.