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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

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    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

    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!
    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.

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    Related interests

    James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Sharon Angela, Max Casella, Dan Grimaldi, Joe Perrino, Donna Pescow, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Tony Sirico, and Michael Drayer in The Sopranos (1999)
    Crime
    Dziga Vertov in Man with a Movie Camera (1929)
    Documentary
    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Cho Yeo-jeong in Parasite (2019)
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    Storyline

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    Details

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    • 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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