Movie Review: Heart of Africa

Heart of Africa is now available on DVD!

Purchase: Amazon | Deseret Book

Movie Synopsis: 

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:

I had the opportunity to watch Heart of Africa and enjoyed the presentation. The acting and cinematography were very good. The history of the area is horrific, and the film helped me to appreciate the freedoms and safety I've always been blessed with. 

I hadn't realized so much of the movie would be in a foreign language. I don't mind films with subtitles, but it's good to be aware that you'll need to be focused and not just casually watching or you won't be able to follow a good chunk of the story. 

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Movie Spotlight: Heart of Africa

Movie Synopsis:

Gabriel Ngandu is a young Congolese revolutionary running from the terrible mistakes of his past. His journey of escape leads him to new experiences and even a new religion that challenges long-held beliefs about his destiny and world around him. He find himself torn between the influences and expectations of two very different father figures- Mwabila, his revolutionary leader, and President Kabasubabu, his new religious leader. Called to serve as a missionary, he is sent back to his native village to build an orphanage with Jason Martin, an American who also has a tragic and secret past. Together, they struggle to understand and overcome their histories, cultures, and prejudices to serve the people around them.

Caught between enmity and reconciliation, revenge or forgiveness, intolerance or understanding, they begin to see the potential for a better; more peaceful future for themselves and for the Congo. Worlds finally collide when explosions rock the new orphanage and Kabasubabu is kidnapped by Mwabila's revolutionaries. Gabriel is faced with choosing between the two different worlds of these father figures... or finding his own path toward a new world inspired by understanding and redemption.

Movie Trailer:


About the Film:

Heart of Africa is a cinematic breakthrough-the first Congolese-American co-production of a feature film, and one of the first produced and filmed entirely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by a Congolese film team. Learn more at http://heartofafricafilm.com/about/. Watch for it's release in the U.S. next month.

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