Past screening

Congo Calling

Directed by: Stephan Hilpert
Runtime: 1hr 30min Year: 2019
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Details

Directed by: Stephan Hilpert
Runtime: 1hr 30min Year: 2019
Country: Germany
Topics: Sociopolitical
Last Screened: Thu 9th Dec 2021

How helpful is development aid from the Global North? In crisis-ridden eastern Congo, three European development aid workers are forced to question what it means to help.

Raúl, a French-Spanish economist doing research on rebel groups, realises that he is leading his Congolese colleagues into great temptation with his project funds, putting their study at risk of failing.

After 30 years in Africa, Peter, from Germany, reaches retirement age and is unable to renew his job contract. He struggles to stay in Congo and to preserve his identity as an aid worker. And the relationship of Anne-Laure, from Belgium, is put to the test when her Congolese boyfriend, after a stay in prison, becomes a high-profile regime critic.

Deeply personal insights into coexistence and cooperation between Europe and Africa—and the question: how helpful is the help of the West?