Watch City of Joy

City of Joy is a heart-wrenching and inspiring documentary film highlighting the stories of women survivors of violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The film, released in 2016, is directed by Madeleine Gavin and based on the book of the same name, written by Eve Ensler, the creator of the Vagina Monologues. City of Joy is a safe haven located in Bukavu, DRC, and aims to provide healing, support, and empowerment to women who have survived sexual violence, atrocities, and war.

The film opens by introducing the viewer to Christine Schuler-Deschryver, a Congolese human rights activist and the director of the City of Joy. Schuler-Deschryver is the force behind City of Joy and its success, and her passion and dedication to uplift the lives of Congolese women is evident throughout the film. The documentary also follows the stories of some of the women who have come to City of Joy seeking refuge, healing, and transformation.

One of the main focuses of the film is to show the viewers the extreme violence and terror women face in the DRC. The interviews with the women are harrowing and heart-wrenching, but they also shed light on how resilient and determined these women are to rise above their trauma. The documentary is a stark reminder of the cost of war and the violence women face in some parts of the world. However, City of Joy also shows us that hope, resilience, love, and healing are possible.

Denis Mukwege Mukengere, the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Congolese gynecologist, is also featured in the documentary. Dr. Mukwege is a hero to many Congolese women who have suffered sexual violence. He has operated on thousands of women who have been raped, mutilated, and traumatized to heal both their physical bodies and spirits. His medical expertise and unwavering dedication to justice and peace have made him a beacon of hope for many women in the DRC.

City of Joy is not an easy watch. The atrocities committed against women are horrific, and the long-term consequences of these abuses are devastating. However, City of Joy also portrays the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The film showcases the transformative power of collective healing and the importance of community support, sisterhood, and empathy. City of Joy is a powerful reminder that violence against women should never be tolerated, and support and resources must be available for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The cinematography of City of Joy is stunning. The camera work is exceptional and brings the viewer close to the women and their stories, allowing for an intimate and emotional experience. The soundtrack of the documentary adds to its powerful impact, creating an emotional resonance that stays with the viewers long after watching the film.

In conclusion, City of Joy is an inspirational and raw film that highlights the resilience and strength of women survivors of violence in the DRC. With its focus on the transformative healing and empowerment that can occur in the face of extreme trauma, the documentary serves as a call to action for people around the world to work towards a world where women can live in safety and dignity.

City of Joy is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.7.