"Motherland" is a subdued but moving documentary about six mothers who begin as strangers, but find common ground and comfort in their grief over the loss of a child. Together these women travel to Africa to provide comfort and aid to impoverished children. Each woman's story of the loss of their child (which ranges from suicide, murder and accident) is juxtaposed with scenes of the women finding a sense of peace in conversations with each other and finding warm distraction by showing love and affection to children who either have AIDS or have lost a parent to the devastating virus.

"Motherland" is an unusual documentary in that it isn't an expose with a calculated agenda. It has its share of tragedy and heartache, but it also has the one element that so many documentaries lack: hope. It is a small hope because these women will never truly be the same; the deaths of their children leave a lasting scar. But at least now they know that they aren't alone in their grief. Sadly, the situation of the African children is less optimistic. It is doubtful that the continent or its inhabitants will escape out from under the shadow of AIDS any time soon. This unfortunate fact isn't crammed down your throat by a preachy narrator because director Jennifer Steinman has wisely kept the film from becoming too preachy, sentimental or self-righteous. It might sound like a simple task but having sat through more than my share of well-meaning but ultimately overly sweet or depressingly bitter documentaries there is a very fine line between a film that inspires and a film that leaves you feeling ill. "Motherland" succeeds by simply presenting its story and lets the audience find their own message.

Note: With the landscape of film distribution in a continuing state of evolution from time to time I will highlight films that aren't taking the traditional route through a theatrical release but are available "On Demand." "Motherland" is available for viewing via www.giganticdigital.com for $2.99.