Building A Dream (2007)
Building A Dream (The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy) was a one-hour TV-Special, chronicling Oprah's five-year journey in creating a leadership academy for disadvantaged girls in South Africa. The project started in 2002, born out of a discussion she had with South African president Nelson Mandela about combating poverty. The school opened on January 02, 2007 and its inaugural class of 72 girls graduated in 2011. The special was released later on this home video, including many scenes with Oprah’s guests, featuring Sidney Poitier, Quincy Jones, Spike Lee, Chris Rock, Chris Tucker, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Tyler Perry, Nick Ashford, Valerie Simpson, Diane Sawyer, Kenneth (Babyface) Edmonds, Star Jones Reynolds, India Arie, Patti LaBelle, Benny Madina, Holly Robinson Peete and Tina Turner.
It shows Oprah, the students and her guests, while they join her for the opening reception. The 4-day event started in Sun City with a birthday party for her best friend Gayle King and a safari the next day. The New Year's Eve began with a dinner and at the stroke of midnight a visual extravaganza of sparklers lit up the tables, stage and dance floor. Mary J. Blige performed „No More Drama,“ followed by Tina with her famous Simply The Best. The next day, they met all in Johannesburg for dinner and conversation and on February 02, in the small town of Henley-on-Klip, guests gathered while Nelson Mandela delivered an inspiring speech for the opening of the academy.
Producer: Gilda Brasch, Bob Bates
Label: Harpo Productions, Inc.
Release: 2007
Format: DVD
Running Time: 44 Minutes
