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City of Joy

  • 2016
  • 1h 14m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
665
YOUR RATING
City of Joy (2016)
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
CrimeDocumentaryDramaThrillerWar

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

  • Director
    • Madeleine Gavin
  • Writer
    • Madeleine Gavin
  • Stars
    • Christine Schuler-Deschryver
    • Denis Mukwege Mukengere
    • Eve Ensler
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.7/10
    665
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Madeleine Gavin
    • Writer
      • Madeleine Gavin
    • Stars
      • Christine Schuler-Deschryver
      • Denis Mukwege Mukengere
      • Eve Ensler
    • 9User reviews
    • 19Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 7 wins & 5 nominations total

    Videos1

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:15
    Official Trailer

    Photos18

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    + 13
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    Top cast4

    Edit
    Christine Schuler-Deschryver
    • Self
    Denis Mukwege Mukengere
    Denis Mukwege Mukengere
    • Self
    Eve Ensler
    Eve Ensler
    • Self
    Jane Mukunilwa
    • Self
    • Director
      • Madeleine Gavin
    • Writer
      • Madeleine Gavin
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews9

    7.7665
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    Featured reviews

    Miri_knwos

    Women

    I just feel so proud to be woman when I see them overcoming their pain. It openend my eyes about this strategic war technique. Our body parts should never be something that we are ashamed of. At least in this fight we are together as one. This documentary shows us how we all belong together.
    10agoldstein-20418

    Extraodinary

    It is one of the most powerful documentaries I've seen. Moving, reveling and completely life changing. Thanks to all the people involved there is a story, there is evidence of a shameful present. Hopefully the voice of this brave women and men will be heard loud enough so organizations, governments and ordinary people with take a bold stand against this atrocities. BRAVO!
    kathleendrohan

    Powerful, heartbreaking and joyous film

    Holy Cow this film! I have a basic awareness of what is going on in the Congo, but this film really brought home the daily struggle for so many women. The film told the amazing story of the building of City of Joy, a safe house for women and of the three mavericks who made it happen (Dr. Denis Mukwege, Christine Schuler Deschryver, and playwright Eve Ensler. The women who live and work at the City of Joy have faced mind boggling atrocities but find the will to go on every day.

    I cried and cheered for these women. They are my roll models, inspiration and motivation.

    The film shows just how much can be achieved and how much more we have to do.

    See it!
    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.

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    Related interests

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    Storyline

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    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 7, 2018 (United States)
    • Countries of origin
      • United States
      • Congo
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • Swahili
    • Also known as
      • Город радости
    • Filming locations
      • Democratic Republic of the Congo
    • Production companies
      • Essence Road
      • Impact Partners
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 14m(74 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Surround 7.1

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