Browse films

City of Joy

Madeleine Gavin
Congo, 2016, 75 min.

In English, French, Swahili with English subtitles.

AIFF Award Winner:
Special Jury Award for Inspirational Filmmaking

A tale of hope and restoration unfolds in CITY OF JOY, a film that follows the first class of students at a revolutionary leadership center in war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Director's Statement

Devastated by 20 years of violence, the eastern part of The Democratic Republic of Congo is often referred to as "the worst place in the world to be a woman." This film brings a different story from the region. A film about the profound resilience of the human spirit, CITY OF JOY witnesses Congolese women's fierce will to reclaim hope, even when so much of what was meaningful to them has been stripped away.

Category: Documentary, Award Winner.
Themes: Africa, Abuse, War, Women, World Cinema.

More in Documentary

  • Clear Sky

    Clear Sky

    Shawn Clearsky Davis
    Canada, 2024, 76 min.

    Given up for adoption the day he was born, Shawn spirals into a life of addiction as he struggles with the broken connection to his Anishinaabe culture and... more ›

  • Ali Eats America

    Ali Eats America

    Roush Niaghi and Greg Morris
    United States, 2024, 91 min.

    Ali Allouche spent his high school junior year in chemotherapy. Tired of hospital food, Ali became obsessed with food shows. Inspired by Anthony... more ›

  • The Original Badass

    The Original Badass

    Simantini Chakraborty
    United States, 2024, 11 min.

    A group of award-winning filmmakers have created this powerfully-immersive and fast-paced short documentary, which spans numerous decades of American... more ›