directed by Joris Postema
Today’s recommendation is very important for me as the topic of the documentary is something that has been on my mind for a long time. I’m pretty much sure that each of you reading this post knows at least one person who has been to some Third World country in order to volunteer or work there part-time. And I’ve always had mixed feelings about that as, on the one hand, such people often want to help, want to share something with the ones in need, but on the other hand, there are also social media apps full of heart-breaking photos and avuncular volunteers, often coming from Europe or North America, who share how such experience has changed their life and receive numerous likes, hearts and whatever else there is. And to be honest, even after watching today’s film, I’m still not sure what to think about this issue. I’m afraid the problem is so complex that we might never find a satisfying solution. The documentary by Joris Postema focuses on filmmakers and photographers who come to Democratic Republic of Congo (and also other African countries) and create very often manipulative content. Locals accuse Western artists of presenting their home with negative images only. And because of that, the Congolese have lost respect and this natural affection for people coming from other continents. However, even though a lot of Western organisations make profit using such manipulated materials, there’s always a bit of truth in them. We cannot pretend that there’s no poverty in the DRC. That everyone is healthy, wealthy and safe. And as one of the local (yes, local, not foreign) artists said in the film – if people are in need, we should be talking and do it loudly. Unfortunately, this is the main dilemma – should we present the reality of such countries as the DRC or respect the will of the locals and do our best not to say anything unpleasant about their home? Or maybe we shouldn’t go there to record and take photos at all, only local artists should be allowed to share about their country? But then, should such local artists be honest or represent their homeland only in the brightest colours? There are many questions and even more are asked in the documentary. Personally, as I said, I’m still somewhere in-between as people and their feeling should always go first, but so should their safety and well-being – and that’s impossible to achieve without changes. A truly difficult and important film, which you should definitely see if you’re also interested in the topic.
My rating: 8/10
S.
I have nothing to watch 