This Is Congo - Free Screening (Congo Week)
Event description
Please join us for a free/koha in-person film screening of "This Is Congo", to raise awareness for Congo Week.
There will also be an optional group discussion and light snacks provided (feel free to bring your own snacks too).
You can find more info below (including how to support if you can't attend).
NOTE: This event has concluded.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
We will sort sending koha (to Panzi Foundation) and resources to attendees as soon as possible. Please feel free to suggest by clicking "Contact Host" below.
You can find worldwide Congo Week events here, including virtual ones (although it may be hard to figure out the time zone).
Feel free to follow: @tetaitetekura, @theblackhousenz, and @janina.nana.yaa. Here is a link of other Instagram accounts to follow.
Please rest, look out for each other, and continue participating in solidarity work.
Reflection questions after yesterday's film:
Please share any quotes/anything in the documentary that you found compelling or thought-provoking.
How can I use my tech skills/existing tech products responsibly?
As someone living in Aotearoa/NZ, how can I utilise my skills/passions to help increase solidarity to Congolese, wider African, and Māori communities?
NOTE:
There is a severe wind warning this Thursday (more info here). At this stage, we are still planning to proceed with this event for those who live very close to the venue (and won't need extra travel). We will have more events/film screenings in the future, so please don't force yourself.
As we will be viewing and discussing potentially sensitive topics, this event will have an Open Door Policy. You may leave the venue at any time, for any reason, and will not be judged for doing so.
You can find entry instructions here.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY FILM:
"A whistle-blower, a patriotic military commander, a mineral dealer, and a displaced tailor share a glimpse of life amid Africa's longest continuing conflict."
WHAT IS CONGO WEEK?
Congo Week is on 19-25 October, where we commemorate the millions of lives lost in this ongoing genocide in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is also a time to celebrate the enormous humanity and environmental potential the beautiful country DRC has.
WHY ARE WE HOSTING THIS IN TE WHANGANUI-A-TARA, AOTEAROA (WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND)?
We are holding community film screenings during Congo Week to talk to each other as a community, and to help each other learn. As we support other causes/issues in Aotearoa/NZ and worldwide, we would like to increase solidarity for Congolese people locally.
We are buying, consuming, and benefitting from tech products/AI usage through child slavery and genocide of Congo. Phones and other similar products are created with minerals sourced by Congolese children in inhumane and illegal conditions, leading to severe injuries and death.
Big tech companies make profit from ordinary people relying on convenience. As long as there are customers of minerals found in the DRC, corporations will have an incentive to continue exploiting Congolese people for these minerals to be used in jewellery, batteries, e-cigarettes, and tech products like our phones and computers.
There is no tech without Congo.
HOW MUCH IS THE TICKET?
The film screening is free but we appreciate koha for the Panzi Foundation (more info below).
WHY WOULD I WANT TO JOIN THE FILM SCREENING?
The film screening is for anyone keen to learn/watch a documentary film, wants to share their experience through optional group discussion, or wants to meet new people.
This event welcomes people from all walks of life who are willing to learn, listen, or contribute (LGBTQ+ friendly).
Before 7:45pm: Set up
7:45-8pm: Karakia, health and safety, organisers' introductions, brief explanation on Congo Week
8pm-9:30pm: "This Is Congo" screening (people can come and go at any time)
9:30pm-9:40pm: Moment of silence/meditation
9:40pm-10pm: Quick group discussion with optional participation (TBC if we can extend)
By 10pm: Optional photo-taking and socialising. Pack down chairs and leave the room tidy.
WILL THERE BE MORE IN-PERSON/VIRTUAL FILM SCREENINGS IN THE FUTURE?
Yes, will most likely be in 2026 instead of this year. We would love to collaborate with other people/groups, so we can share our skills and knowledge collectively.
I CAN'T ATTEND. HOW CAN I SUPPORT?
Please spread the word via social media stories, reposting, wheatpasting, or sharing to people who don't use social media (Instagram post | Facebook post).
If you click RSVP, there is an option to donate without getting a ticket. We sincerely appreciate this.
You can find the previous film screening here.
If you click "Contact host" below, feel free to send us your email address and we can email resources after the event, e.g.:
Use refurbished tech products (instead of buying/upgrading new tech)
Alternatives to Google/Microsoft mail/maps/calendar/forms/search engines/etc
Alternatives to Spotify/Apple Music
Reducing generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) usage at work/personal life
If using Google as your search engine, add "-ai" at the end of your searches (to stop showing AI results)
Decentralising the internet and tech industries
Supporting other local, skill-sharing initiatives like Critical Signals
WHERE WILL THE KOHA GO TOWARDS?
Koha that we receive will go to the Panzi Foundation.
The Panzi Foundation has opened hospitals, mobile clinics, and the City of Joy, a sanctuary where women learn healing, empowerment and leadership through their traumas. Rape is a weapon of war used against the Congolese people.
The Panzi Foundation is one of the largest African-led nonprofits and is committed to addressing the devastating impacts of sexual and gender based violence through a holistic, survivor-centred approach.
The Panzi Foundation was founded by Dr. Denis Mukwege, who is considered one of the leading experts in injuries of rape and was awarded a Nobel Peace Prize in 2018, 6 years after an assassination attempt on his life.
WHO ARE THE EVENT ORGANISERS?
This event is organised by ordinary community members affiliated with Te Tai-Tētēkura (an indigenous, youth-led group in Aotearoa/NZ).
Te Tai-Tētēkura is founded on the principles of revolution through education and restoration of power to the people. They hold a foundational community-based kaupapa that prioritises uplifting, connecting, and empowering our communities.
Te Tai-Tētēkura's founding is based on the socialist and revolutionary politics of the Black Panther Party, which rose to prominence during the Black Power Movement in the U.S. They combine the Black Panther Party's ideas with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and their own landback and decolonisation principles.
Through community initiatives, Te Tai-Tētēkura shows the people that we, as a community, can take care of our society.
We stand in solidarity with indigenous peoples in Aotearoa/NZ, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and across the world facing injustice.
Please click "Contact host" if you have questions/feedback/concerns or if you can't attend anymore.
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