City of Joy (2016)

This film follows the first class of students at a remarkable leadership center in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region often referred to as "the worst place in the world to ... See full summary »

Director:

Madeleine Gavin

Writer:

Madeleine Gavin

Stars:

Christine Schuler-Deschryver, Denis Mukwege Mukengere, Eve Ensler

7 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview:
Christine Schuler-Deschryver	...	Herself
Denis Mukwege Mukengere	...	Himself
Eve Ensler	...	Herself
Jane Mukunilwa	...	Herself

Storyline

This film follows the first class of students at a remarkable leadership center in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region often referred to as "the worst place in the world to be a woman." These women have been through unspeakable violence spurred on by a 20 year war driven by colonialism and greed. In the film, they band together with the three founders of this center: Dr. Denis Mukwege (2016 Nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize), radical playwright and activist Eve Ensler ("The Vagina Monolgoues") and human rights activist, Christine Schuler-Deschryver, to find a way to create meaning in their lives even when all that was meaningful to them has long been stripped away. In this ultimately uplifting film, we witness the tremendous resilience as these women transform their devastation into powerful forms of leadership for their beloved country.

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Plot Keywords:

f rated | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Crime | Drama | Thriller | War

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Details

Country:

USA Congo

Language:

English French Swahili

Release Date:

11 November 2016 (USA)

Also Known As:

Essence Road

Filming Locations:

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Company Credits

Production Co:

Essence Road, Impact Partners

Technical Specs

Runtime:

74 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Surround 7.1

Color:

Color

User Reviews

Powerful, heartbreaking and joyous film

Holy Cow this film! I have a basic awareness of what is going on in the Congo, but this film really brought home the daily struggle for so many women. The film told the amazing story of the building of City of Joy, a safe house for women and of the three mavericks who made it happen (Dr. Denis Mukwege, Christine Schuler Deschryver, and playwright Eve Ensler. The women who live and work at the City of Joy have faced mind boggling atrocities but find the will to go on every day.

I cried and cheered for these women. They are my roll models, inspiration and motivation.

The film shows just how much can be achieved and how much more we have to do.

See it!