City of Joy

2016
16
1h 14m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

664

YOUR RATING

This documentary centers on the creation of a safe haven for women survivors in the middle of violence-torn Eastern Congo.

Play trailer2:15

1 Video

19 Photos

Crime Documentary Drama Thriller War

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... Read allThis 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 ... Read allThis 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 o... Read all

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

664

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Awards
- 7 wins & 5 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 2:15

Official Trailer

Photos18

+ 13

User reviews9

7.7664

Featured reviews

10carolynhunt-11991

Unprecedented film

This doc succeeds in all way: deeply significant subject matter with relevance to all humans, concise and clear storytelling on a subject that many (Westerners) still find overwhelming and mystifying, honest and compelling "main characters", and the right balance of clear-eyed honesty and unabashed hope.

Brava to the filmmakers! May it open new pathways to peace.

9neener3707

Powerful In Two Ways, Sad and Inspiring

I've always said that Netlfix nearly constantly puts out some of the best documentaries and docu-series, and this is another accolade to be proud of. An interesting documentary in the sense that it conveys a wide range of emotions, from crying about the horror these women experience, to crying out of joy that they are strong enough to face it and still not give up. Congo has been a nasty place for a very long time, from its dozens of pre-colonial civil wars, to its horrifying compliance in the slave trade, to what we see in this documentary happening today. Congo has faced many civil wars and regular wars in recent years, with a few mass starvations and genocides, so one should understand what they are getting into when they watch this film. Its a tough one, but in a way, a beautiful one.

10CerridwenHawk

EMOTIONALLY CATHARTIC

The work being done in the City of Joy is visionary in scope and breathtaking in action! Christine Schuler-Deschryver and her colleagues are to be given the highest praise for their dogged and fierce determination to bring about long term change and Healing for these courageous and indomitable Women! Powerful and deeply emotionally cathartic.

7kosmasp

Positivity out of ...

... negativity. It might take a strong stomach for the tough things that are depicted/told in the movie, but there is light (not just at end of the tunnel). And like someone else stated here, this may feel cathartic. Whatever it gives you, it is really good to know that this exists amidst all the trouble and all the evil that also exists.

So this documentary, no matter the value or your general opionion of it, is shining a light. No pun intended and if you like documentaries, this is a relatively short one. And one of hope - just don't expect it to be an easy watch. The topic is too tough for that

snperera

Never buy a new phone.

Your new phone causes so much harm and trauma and violence towards so many people. Please think before you get a new phone or any new tech. This goes for diamonds too. This documentary has to be one of the best documentaries that I have ever seen! These women are amazing and inspiring and empowering! They are so beautiful!! I feel disgusted with myself that I have participated and been a part in their trauma and violence by buying a new phone. I didn't know what was going on but now I do. Now I know better. We need to do better as a society for people and especially for women everywhere and especially in the Congo. The Congo is such an important country and beautiful country.