Review & #Giveaway – Heart of Africa #movie #LDS
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.
Amazon * Deseret
Press Release
“HEART OF AFRICA is such an important film from a Black filmmaker who has dedicated almost everything to create and present it,” said Arthur VanWagenen, product director for Excel Entertainment and Deseret Book. “Kabambi’s devotion to share this story can’t be overstated. In a true example of life imitating art, the film’s message of overcoming adversity by placing our lives in the Lord’s hands is now happening in real life for Tshoper.
He came to the United States for the film’s release, and because of the pandemic, Tshoper has been unable to return to his family in the Congo.”
HEART OF AFRICA is the first ever Congolese-American production of a feature film and was written by Tshoper Kabambi and Margaret Blair Young. The film was produced by Bruce Young, Margaret Blair Young, Tshoper Kabambi, Ephraim Faith Byikana, and Deborah Basa. Sponsors include Bimpa Production, Congo Rising Corporation, and Heart of Africa LLC.
Proceeds from the film will generate funds for humanitarian work and aid in the Congo, primarily in health and innovative education to assist the people of the Congo in becoming more self-reliant. In addition, proceeds will be used to help revitalize the film and cinema industry in the Congo.
Trailer
Review
This movie tells the story of one man torn between his roots in a violent faction to a new Christian life. It is not an easy journey for him but looking at the two different worlds, perhaps choosing the one that is more calm and peaceful is the right choice to make.
I can’t imagine what people endure living in the Congo, but this movie gives us a brief glimpse into that world. Life is hard for everyone, but joy can be found in the simplest of things. Gabriel is a tortured character not knowing what path he should take. He signs up to be a missionary because they offer food and lodging. That may be his initial desire, but working alongside other missionaries to rebuild an orphanage (named Heart of Africa) turns his thinking upside down.
The characters are interesting and many have their own demons that they are battling. That is part of what helps Gabriel realize that perhaps he isn’t quite as alone as he thinks. The story also touches on some issues we are experiencing here in the US at this time. Gabriel’s old faction believes that all white men are out to destroy them or enslave them which couldn’t be further from the truth in this movie. The group cannot distinguish between the Belgian’s that enslaved them and a missionary from the US. I’m not sure that they ever come to terms that perhaps they are misguided under the current leadership.
This movie is primarily spoken in a native tribal language, Lingala, so there are subtitles. However, it wasn’t too hard to watch the film and read the subtitles to understand what was going on in the movie. The LDS influence is minor other than the missionaries.
We give this 3 1/2 paws.
Giveaway
