Congo documentaries
The Democratic Republic of Congo is a fascinating and beautiful country, but also one facing difficult challenges.
If you would like to find out more about the DRC, here are some films and documentaries from around the web that give context on the country and on some of the humanitarian, economic and medical challenges it faces.
If you have suggestions for more documentaries to add, please let us know at info@hopitalotema.org. We hope this page will be a useful collection of documentaries about the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Please consider donating to Otema Hospital to help women and children in central DRC.
The Otema Hospital story
Produced by award-winning filmmaker Rob-Jan Lacombe, this short video shows the vision of Dr Tony Elonge to create a hospital serving the needs of women and children in central DRC.
Women on the Frontline: Democratic Republic of Congo (UNFPA)
Produced by UNFPA with support from UN Women, Women on the Frontline is a video documentary series, presented by Annie Lennox, that shines a light on violence against women and girls. The series takes viewers to homes, villages and cities around the world where a largely unreported war against females is being waged.
The Man Who Mends Women: the wrath of Hippocrates (Dr Mukwege)
This film is a portrait of the life and work of the internationally renowned Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, who received the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought for his struggle against sexual violence. Mukwege has medically assisted over 40,000 sexually abused women in sixteen years of professional practice, and his work is not without danger: in 2012, armed men entered his home and started shooting. He and his family survived, but his guard was killed. The film captures his exceptional mission and the impact of his work on family and friends. A trailer is followed by a FRANCE 24 report on Dr Mukwege.
DR Congo conflict: women increasingly targeted by sexual violence (Al Jazeera)
A report from Al Jazeera English on sexual violence against women in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Extreme World: Ross Kemp in Congo
In this documentary series, Ross Kemp travels to the DRC to find out more about the Congo war, fought for over a decade and described as the bloodiest conflict since the Second World War.
Crisis in the Congo: Uncovering the Truth
This film explores the role that the United States’ allies, Rwanda and Uganda, have played in triggering the greatest humanitarian crisis at the dawn of the 21st century and the death of millions of Congolese over the past 18 years.
Congo: a journey to the heart of Africa (BBC Africa)
A BBC Africa documentary travelling through the Democratic Republic of Congo. A second BBC Africa video, “DR Congo: Everything you need to know”, gives a short overview of the country.
Belgium’s colonial history in Congo (DW News)
A DW News report on Belgium’s colonial past in Congo and the debate over whether expressions of regret are enough.
Blood in the Earth: life and death in Congo’s coltan mines (BBC Africa Eye)
A BBC Africa Eye documentary on the people who work in Congo’s coltan mines. A VICE report on conflict minerals, rebels and child soldiers in Congo is also included.
Russian pilots of the Congo (VICE News)
A VICE News report on pilots flying in the Democratic Republic of Congo, one of the most challenging places in the world to fly.
River Journeys: Congo with Michael Wood
A journey along the Congo River with historian and presenter Michael Wood.
Congo: where the jungle meets the sea
A wildlife documentary on the nature of the Congo. A second film, “Wildlife Deep Inside Africa’s Congo Forest”, explores the forest itself.
Last updated October 2026. Some videos from the original collection are no longer available and have been replaced. These videos are hosted by third parties and remain their owners’ property.