The lush landscapes and winding waters of the Democratic Republic of the Congo are a beautiful betrayal. Behind these natural wonders lies a long and painful history of poverty and conflict. Congo: Journey to the Heart of Africa offers an off-road travelogue that is as harrowing as it is awe-inspiring.
The country is rich in natural resources, yet its population is one of the poorest in the world. The upcoming elections are a beacon of hope for change. The filmmakers board a boat and embark on a 3,000-mile journey down the Congo River. They’re looking for lingering signs of the country’s turbulent past, and signs that could point to the potential for a brighter future.
A series of stops along the way highlight unique cultures, shared histories of conflict and violence, and the daunting challenges they continue to face with great courage and determination. The powerful rapids off Myanmar could be harnessed to harness enough hydroelectric power to power the entire country. So far, this opportunity has not been exploited.
Deep in the forest, a group of pygmies venture out in search of food to make a living. Armed with machetes, they fell rubber trees and collect the precious sap. More than a hundred years ago, under King Leopold II, collectors like themselves had their hands chopped off if they couldn’t meet their daily juice allowance.
Staff at the Rainforest Edge Reserve are sampling plantations for climate change research and trying to prevent damage to their land’s most valuable asset through innovative planting techniques.
In a remote national park, catch a glimpse of one of the region’s most endangered species – the eastern lowland gorilla – and observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
As they roam eastern Congo with UN peacekeepers, the filmmakers witness a community ravaged by an Ebola outbreak.
Congo: Journey to the Heart of Africa takes viewers on an exciting journey. By the end of the movie, people feel like they have a solid understanding of the country, its people, and its promise of a more prosperous future.
