City of Joy 2016

Overview

City of Joy is a 2016 documentary film directed by Madeleine Gavin that examines a community built for women in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The film premiered at the DocNYC Film Festival in New York City on November 11, 2016. The Democratic Republic of Congo has experienced two decades of violence, where rape has been utilized as a weapon of war to disrupt communities and gain access to precious minerals. Often described as one of the most difficult places in the world to be a woman, the region serves as the backdrop for this story of resilience. The narrative focuses on Jane, a student at a center designed for women who have survived abuse to train as leaders. The documentary also highlights the center's founders, including a Congolese doctor, a Congolese activist, and a radical playwright from New York. By documenting the experiences of the first class of women at the facility, the film explores the transition between pain and joy while emphasizing the importance of community and love in the face of conflict.