ABOUT THE MOVIE
A Congolese man runs from a terrible accident and finds himself at a revolutionary camp, where he is told that he has a great destiny. He tries to escape and start a new life by going to another town, joining a new religion, and becoming a missionary. Ultimately, though, he finds himself back in the very place he had tried to leave. He must face his fears and his shame—but also his magnificent possibilities.
Heart of Africa is the first full-length, faith-based film to come out of the nascent Democratic Republic of Congo film movement. After decades of colonial oppression and civil war, the country's scars run deep. Cinema is emerging as a cathartic new medium, and director Tshoper Kabambi is a leader of a new kind of revolution: one driven by stories that he hopes will heal the hearts of his people and the DR Congo.
REVIEW
This powerful film about a young Congolese man coming to terms with his past in order to find his future makes for a compelling viewing experience. Gabriel finds himself on the run after an accident leaves the woman he loves dead. At first he returns to the revolutionary camp that took him and his brother in after their parents' deaths. But he doesn't want to stay there. After leaving the camp he runs into missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints who give him a place to stay and food to eat. In gratitude he joins the church. His interest in a young woman he meets, Yvette, leads him to develop his faith.
When the mission president asks him to return to the town from which he fled, Gabriel must face his past. His American companion adds to the conflict he feels as he returns to face the man who helped raise him who wants him to help lead his revolutionary, revenge-filled cause. As he helps to build an orphanage, Gabriel wrestles with his loyalties. Ultimately, Gabriel must choose faith and love or anger and vengeance.
I really appreciated the use of the native languages in the film, it made it seem that much more real. The setting was genuine and beautiful and gives a glimpse into what life is like for some of those who live in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The acting is superb and powerful and carries the film from beginning to end. Overall, a well-done film that tells a powerful, important story, a film that I can highly recommend.
Note: because of the nature of the story and the experiences of Gabriel, there is some violence. This should be considered before the film is watched by children.
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PURCHASE
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