Set in South Africa in 1985 against a backdrop of apartheid, religion and war, Canary is a charming musical drama that chronicles one teen’s struggle to find his voice.
Seventeen-year-old Johan is a small-town boy whose love of British new wave music, and especially Boy George, makes him an easy target for bullying from the neighbourhood kids. When he gets called up for military service, Johan auditions for, and is accepted into, the Canaries— the South African Defence Choir. Initially believing that the choir means he will not be fighting in the war, Johan begins to see the role he plays in the oppression and injustice around him. If that isn’t enough to deal with, Johan is also falling in love with Wolfgang, a fellow Canary.
As Johan’s beliefs about religion, patriotism and sexuality are brought into question, he is left to rely on his emerging creativity and passion for music. And after all, who doesn't need a dance break from time to time?