Throughout the month of October, Maysles Institute will show several movies about Congo. Audiences will learn about Congolese culture and the humanitarian crisis and conflict that is occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Viewers will also be able to learn how they can help to break the silence about the conflict.

Film screenings will occur throughout October. Some will include discussions with filmmakers and activists. On some nights, the screenings will be followed by receptions with Congolese food, drinks, live poetry, dance, and music. 

Also, the downstairs space at the Maysles Institute will be turned into a gallery with works by Congolese artists and a store of Congo-related DVDs, books, crafts, and clothing.

The screenings are open to the public with a suggested (but not required) donation of $10. All proceeds will be donated to organizations working in Congo. Box office opens one hour before show time.

Location: 343 Malcolm X Blvd./Lenox Ave. between 127th and 128th Streets Map

Schedule of Screenings: 

Friday, October 9, 7:30PM: Congo: White King, Red Rubber, Black Death The story of how King Leopold II of Belgium took over Congo as a colony and began the reign of terror. Panel discussion to follow screening.

Saturday, October 10, 7:30PM: Lumo The story of Lumo Sinai, a Congolese woman in recovery at a hospital for rape survivors. Panel discussion and reception to follow screening.

Sunday, October 18, 7:00PM: Mobutu, King of Zaire A documentary about Mobutu Sese Seko, Congo's dictator.

Monday, October 19, 7:30PM: Women in War Zones Story about two women in recovery from sexual violence at Panzi Hospital. Panel discussion and reception to follow screening.

Tuesday, October 20, 7:30PM: African Pygmy Trails Study of a pygmy community building a vine bridge. AND Matamata & Pilipili Early films about Congo showing terrain, colonial relationships, and pop culture.

Wednesday, October 21, 7:30PM: Afro@Digital Exploration of how digital technology is changing African art and culture. Panel discussion to follow screening.

Thursday, October 22, 7:30PM: Jupiter's Dance Story about musicians in Kinshasa and a man named Jupiter, who is trying to leave the ghetto with his music. AND Les Vulnerables The tale of a young boy who helps his wheelchair-bound father smuggle goods over the border between Congo and Rwanda. Q&A with director of Les Vulnerables to follow screening.

Friday, October 23, 7:30PM: La Vie Est Belle (Life is Rosy) Story about a poor country boy who travels to the city, falls in love with the second wife of a club owner, and has dreams of being a singer. Panel discussion to follow screening.

Saturday, October 24, 3:00PM: "Micro City: An Educational Campus in the Democratic Republic of Congo" Special panel discussion with architecture students at Columbia University who recently traveled to the Katanga Province to gather information for the design of campuses.

Saturday, October 24, 7:30PM: A Duty to Protect Tells the story about children who have been recruited as soldiers for current conflict in Congo and advocates for the end of crimes committed against children. AND Reporter Reporter Nicholas Kristof travels to DR Congo to investigate growing humanitarian crisis. Panel discussion, reception, and closing night muscial performance by Deja Belle to follow the screening.