Watch The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo

The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo is a powerful and emotional documentary that sheds light on the widespread sexual violence that has plagued the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for over a decade. Produced, written and directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Lisa F. Jackson, the 2007 film combines interviews with survivors and activists, footage of the breathtaking natural landscape, and Jackson's own personal reflections to create a moving portrait of the consequences of war and poverty on women's bodies and minds. The title of the film refers to the silence that surrounds the issue, as sexual violence in the DRC has largely gone unnoticed and unacknowledged by the international community.

The movie opens with Jackson's own experience of being held at gunpoint and raped while she was on a trip to Sierra Leone several years ago. This traumatic event motivated her to document the stories of other women who had experienced sexual violence in conflict zones. After discussing the DRC with a human rights group, Jackson travels to eastern Congo, where she interviews women who have been raped and brutalized by soldiers and militias operating in the region. These women recount harrowing tales of being beaten, tortured, and forcibly made to have sexual intercourse with multiple men.

The documentary makes a powerful visual impact, as Jackson allows the survivors to speak for themselves, showing their faces in close-up and allowing viewers to witness their pain and trauma. We hear from women of all ages, including very young girls and older women, who have suffered unspeakable violence. Some of the stories are particularly wrenching, such as the woman who was raped alongside her young daughter by a group of men, or the girl who was kidnapped and forced to serve as a sex slave for years. Jackson's own presence is minimal, preferring instead to let the women's voices rise above hers as they describe the horrors they've experienced.

One of the strengths of the The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo is the way it contextualizes the violence, showing how rape has been used as a weapon of war and poverty. The DRC has been embroiled in conflict for over twenty years, involving armies from neighboring countries and internal militias vying for control over the country's mineral wealth. Rape has been used as a tactic to terrorize communities, to punish and humiliate people, and to make clear who the "winners" and "losers" are. In addition, widespread poverty and a lack of resources for women's health care create an environment in which sexual violence can thrive with impunity. The film interviews doctors and activists who have been working to try and stop the epidemic of rape in the DRC, providing some context for how the situation has developed and what can be done to stop it.

Another strength of the documentary is its exploration of the effects of sexual violence on women's emotional and psychological well-being. The survivors we hear from describe feelings of shame, isolation, and depression, and many have been ostracized by their families and communities as a result of their rape. Jackson shows how difficult it can be for women to find support and care after being raped, especially in a society where rape is so stigmatized. She also explores the ways in which the violence has affected women's self-esteem and sense of autonomy, as well as how it can lead to unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

The documentary ends on a hopeful note, showcasing the work of women's groups and activists who are fighting to end sexual violence in the DRC. These groups provide support and services for survivors, work to change cultural attitudes towards rape and women's rights, and advocate for the prosecution of perpetrators. The women who are part of these groups are inspiring in their resilience and dedication, and offer a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak situation.

In conclusion, The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo is a powerful and disturbing documentary that shines a light on a crisis that has been largely ignored by the world. The film presents a difficult but necessary portrait of the consequences of war, poverty, and gender inequality, and is an important call to action for governments and individuals to intervene and stop the violence. Jackson's empathetic and compassionate approach to the subject matter makes the documentary both harrowing and deeply moving, and the voices of the survivors she interviews will stay with you long after the film is over.

The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 16 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.