The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo is an extremely well told, powerful and sad documentary about the sexual violence spiraling out of control in the eastern war zones of Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), those who are trying to stop it and the reasons why this story is not being covered in our mainstream media outlets in depth.
Directed by acclaimed director Lisa F. Jackson, the movie covers a period of 2 years of interviews in the Congo talking with various women who have been raped during the times of war and it's afteraffects, Congolese soliders who admit on camera (due to a lack of serious prosecutions of sexual crimes and corruptions in the court system of the country) raping women and various agencies and individuals who are trying their best to stem this wave of violence in the community, from the Panzi Hospitial staff that assists in physical healing of victims of sexual violence to Major Honorine Munyole of the National Police.
A succient history of the conflict in the Congo (especially since the days of post-colonial independence and the assassination of President Patrice Lumumba) is covered in The Greatest Silence as well as economic greed being committed by corporations, criminal entities and various governmental entities while things are in a more or less lawless state through the plunder of natural resources (including diamonds, gold and coltan - a metal used lots of electronics, including cell phones and laptops).
Unfortunately, maintstream media coverage of what is going on in multiple regions of the world in the United States is minimal at best or focused particularly in one area (Iraq, Iran, etc.), especially in regards to unpleasent scenarios like war and most especially when it is in regards to People and Countries of Color (for example, when was the last time there was in depth coverage of what is happening in Somalia or the Sudan on your local news?).
Even during peacetime, the subject of sexual violence and its affects on society are usually swept under the rug or covered very quickly or condescendingly in most countries (including the United States).
Works like this and others as well as folks ready to write, read and take action can hopefully make a change in mentalities just not for the Congo, but in general for the rest of our world, since violence against women occurs on all fronts - war or no.
PLEASE check out this documentary out when you have the chance, either on television during the screenings on HBO (Home Box Office), through a movie screening or on DVD - it is not going to be a pleasent experience, but it is one I think all need to have.
Some Upcoming Showtimes on HBO (Home Box Office):
April 10, 2008 (1:25 a.m.)
April 14, 2008 (10:30 p.m.)
April 22, 2008 (12:30 a.m.)
April 28, 2008 (2:10 a.m.)
Upcoming Showtimes on HBO2:
April 9, 2008 (8:00 p.m.)
The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo Trailer (If you can't see the video, check here)
Audio of Director Lisa F. Jackson's Interview with the syndicated FuseBox Radio Broadcast and BlackRadioIsBack.com About Filming The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo, Her Experiences, The War Scenario In The Country and Underlying Reasons Why It Is Occuring, etc. (20 minutes):
mp3 Download Link of the Interview
Please check out more information about this documentary, the situation in the Congo and how you can help out and support those in need at these following websites:
The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo Documentary Official Website
HBO Official Website for The Greatest Silence: Rape In The Congo Documentary
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