Children of Congo: From War to Witches
(2008), 66 minOver five million people have died during the past decade as a result of the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Few people are aware of the unimaginable scale of human suffering, death, and destruction that has occurred in this vast country deep in the heart of Africa. In the aftermath of this brutal war, children have endured the brunt of the suffering. This 67 minute film documents the plight of thousands of street children living in Kinshasa and confirms the wide-spread accusations of child witchcraft, torture and child prostitution. The film also examines the efforts to reintegrate demobilized child soldiers, displaced refugees, and orphaned children following the eruption of the massive Nyiragongo volcano, near the city of Goma in Eastern Congo. These heroic efforts are finally bringing some measure of hope and stability to the lives of the Congolese people. Dan Balluff's "Children of Congo: From War to Witches" is a must see film, showing individuals and organizations that are implementing positive change for the children and the people of the Democtatic Republic of Congo.
Learning Questions
1. Name a few of the dangers of life on the streets for children in the Democrat Republic of Congo.
2. What is the most significant cause for children living on the street?
3. What role does witchcraft play in the lives of some street children?
4. Name two ways the bakery has provided support for the surrounding community?
5. Why do you think the filmmaker decided to make this film?
6. What did you like best about this film?
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