HEART OF AFRICA: The Film




WATCH THE TRAILER:


Heart of Africa is one of the first feature films produced and filmed entirely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and by a Congolese film team.


Please support this exciting new film's theatrical release in the United States!

(For information on donating, see below or click here.)

What is Heart of Africa?

The true "heart" of Africa is its wonderful, beautiful people and their courageous, enduring goodness. Heart of Africa is a film dedicated to sharing that heart with audiences. Based on the true story of a former revolutionary in the DR-Congo who became a missionary, it is a tale of self-discovery, brotherhood, and redemption. The Producers' dream is to share a vision of the "heart of Africa" with the rest of the world and to bring cinema to the "heart of Africa" itself. When audience members in the DR-Congo see this film, it will be the first time most will have seen a film in an actual movie theater, and the first time many will have seen a movie of any kind.


 We are now preparing to release the film, first theatrically in the United States and then in other places, where it will open the eyes--and hearts--of viewers to a part of the world that is on the brink of magnificent possibilities.

Why a film set in the Congo?

The Democratic Republic of Congo ("DRC") is a country of stunning beauty and profoundly good people, but with serious challenges in finding its place in the world. Steeped in a history plagued by tribalism, national enmity, colonialism, and exploitation, Heart of Africa provides an authentic look at these issues, but more importantly offers hope.


Inspired by true events, the personal story of its main character seeking to understand his place in the world and choose his own path serves as proxy for a nation — he and people just like him are the "Heart of Africa." The goal of this film is to advance understanding, storytelling, and the film industry throughout Africa, and especially throughout the DR-Congo. It is our hope that its success can help pave the way for many more high quality films from this part of the world that will engender a new era of progress, peace, humanitarian effort, and creative achievement.

Synopsis:

Gabriel Ngandu is a young Congolese revolutionary running from the terrible mistakes of his past. His journey of escape leads him to new experiences and even a new religion that challenges long-held beliefs about his destiny and the world around him. He finds himself torn between the influences and expectations of two very different father figures — Mwabila, his revolutionary leader, and President Kabasubabu, his new religious leader. Called to serve as a missionary, he is sent back to his native village to build an orphanage with Jason Martin, an American who also has a tragic and secret past. Together, they struggle to understand and overcome their histories, cultures, and prejudices to serve the people around them.


Caught between embracing enmity or reconciliation, revenge or forgiveness, intolerance or understanding, they begin to see the potential for a better, more peaceful future for themselves and for the Congo. Worlds finally collide when explosions rock the new orphanage and Kabasubabu is kidnapped by Mwabila's revolutionaries. Gabriel is faced with choosing between the two different worlds of these father figures . . . or to find his own path toward a new world inspired by understanding and redemption.



Who are the intended audiences?

Heart of Africa is a film intended for general audiences. To remain completely authentic, the dialogue is mainly in Lingala, one of the main languages of the Congo, with some French and English, and with English subtitles. In June 2019, even before final editing, a version of the film was shown to highly appreciative audiences at Brigham Young University and at the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts in New York City. Viewers consistently found the film powerful and moving and said they felt that, by the end of the film, they had had a profound and authentically African experience.


Later the film was screened in Ghana at the Black Star International Film Festival, where it was a nominee in the "Africa Rising" category. Heart of Africa has also received an Award of Merit in the Accolade Global Film Competition and is an official selection of the Green Mountain Christian Film Festival in Vermont (USA); the Abuja International Film Festival and the Benin City Film Festival, both in Nigeria; and the Lake International Panafrican Film Festival in Kenya. It is still under consideration in several more festivals.


The African premiere of Heart of Africa will take place in and around Kinshasa in December 2019. With grant money given to our project by the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts, we purchased a battery-powered projector and speakers so that films can be shown in the smallest villages in the Congo, which generally lack electricity. The US release is scheduled for early 2020. The film will also be distributed throughout Africa, Europe, and other parts of the world.



Why we want this film to succeed:

We made Heart of Africa for two main purposes: First, to generate funds for humanitarian work and aid, primarily in health and innovative education, in order to assist the people of Congo to become more self-reliant. Second, to help revitalize the film and cinema industry in the Congo. We want to empower the Congolese to share their own inspiring stories as part of our humanitarian endeavors. (Some of our filming this past summer was in one of the poorest villages in the country, called Lowo. We plan to create a simple cinema to show this and other films in Lowo and have that cinema also be used as a school.)





We started with a project in the DRC because for the last several decades film has been dead there. There are virtually no movie theaters, and very few films have been produced in the country, apart from a few by outsiders or expatriates.


We are partnering in this effort with our director, Tshoper Kabambi, who has become a pioneer in the revival of film in his native country, holding an annual international film festival in Kinshasa, and sponsoring film nights and workshops for young filmmakers--free of charge. In helping his team at Bimpa Production, we are helping Tshoper train, employ, and encourage a new generation of filmmakers.


Both by its message and by example, Heart of Africa will inspire and enable many other filmmakers like Tshoper to continue making quality, compelling films, to provide training and work opportunities, and even to help build small cinemas throughout the country. Success in the Congo will inspire similar efforts in other parts of Africa.



How you can help:

Production and post-production of the film is complete. The only remaining items are some minor technical adjustments, including 5.1 surround sound and other preparations for release in movie theaters in the United States. This campaign is to help fund marketing and distribution efforts, which we are seeking through both donation and investment. We invite all who would like to support Heart of Africa through donations to help us reach the goal of $30,000 needed for the first steps in the marketing and distribution process. See below or click here for ways you can donate.


We are also seeking funds for marketing and distribution through investment by those qualified and interested.


You can also help us by spreading the word both now and when the film is released. As noted below, those making donations of $50 or more will receive a free ticket to the US premiere or to another showing if you are unable to attend the premiere. Other rewards for donations are listed below, including opportunities to have your name listed in the film's closing credits, website, and DVD bonus materials.
Rewards for donations:
• Donation of $10 or more
Our sincere thanks and a digital copy of the essay series "The Real Elder Price," which was the inspiration of Heart of Africa.

 • Donation of $25 or more
High resolution (142MB) copy of Zambian artist Chiloba Chirwa's "Portrait of Christ." The copy will be sent via Google Drive or Dropbox to backers.
A digital copy of the essay series "The Real Elder Price" will also be sent.

 • Donation of $50 or more
One ticket to the film's US premiere or to another screening for those unable to attend the premiere. Also, your name will be included as an Associate Virtual Producer on the film's website and in the Bonus Materials on the DVD.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $75 or more
Two tickets to the film's US premiere or to another screening for those unable to attend the premiere.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $100 or more
DVD or online streaming access to the film after its release. Also, your name will be included as an Executive Virtual Producer on the film's website and in the Bonus Materials on the DVD.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $150 or more
High resolution digital copy of Zambian artist Chiloba Chirwa's painting "Woman at the Well"--the artist's personal favorite from an exhibit he did with J. Kirk Richards at BYU.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $250 or more
Digital copy or DVD (please state preference) of an exclusive film featuring a panel discussion of South African Missionaries (long since returned) whose years of service spanned 1913-2007. This discussion was filmed as part of a fund raiser for Heart of Africa. It features, among others, Nicholas G. Smith, Monroe McKay, Thomas Griffith, Ailene Clyde, Norm Bangerter, James C. Jones, Jon Pike, Marilyn Snow, and Steven Sluder.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $500 or more
Digital copy of Nobody Knows: The Untold Story of Black Mormons (special features not included).
Also, your name will be included in the Special Thanks section of the film's end credits and as an Executive Virtual Producer on the film's website and in the Bonus Materials on the DVD.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $1,000 or more
A digital copy of a perfromance of I Am Jane, a play about Jane Manning James. Also, your name will be included in the Special Thanks section of the film's end credits and as an Executive Virtual Producer in the film's listing on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), on the film's website, and in the Bonus Materials on the DVD.
All other gifts listed above are also included.

 • Donations of $5,000 or more
A DVD or access to viewing the film online when it's completed, plus two tickets to one of the premieres. Flights to the US premiere will be covered for North American donors at this level.
Also, your name will be included in the Special Thanks section of the film's end credits and as an Executive Producer in the film's listing on the Internet Movie Database (IMDB), on the film's website, and in the Bonus Materials on the DVD.
Those contributing at this level will also receive all gifts listed above for lesser levels.

 For donation methods, see below or click here.
Our sponsors:

 Bimpa Production: A group of pioneering filmmakers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Tshoper Kabambi, the director and co-writer of Heart of Africa. For more information, see https://www.facebook.com/bimpaprod/.

 Congo Rising Corporation: A tax-exempt (501c3) organization focused on humanitarian endeavors in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For more information, see https://www.congorising.org.
Heart of Africa LLC: With the help of investors and other partners, "Heart of Africa LLC" seeks to promote the emerging film industry and other businesses in Africa, with the aim of "lifting hearts and empowering hands" as Africans establish self-sustaining enterprises. Individuals interested in helping or investing should contact Bruce Young at bruce.young.in.provo@gmail.com.
Links and other information: Coming soon.
Thank you for your help with this groundbreaking film.
Heart of Africa is sponsored by Bimpa Production, Heart of Africa LLC, and Congo Rising Corporation.



AN INVITATION TO DONATE

Your donation can help us finish and release the film.

GOAL: $30,000*

RAISED TO DATE:

PROJECTED END DATE FOR FUNDRAISING: November 20, 2019.

HOW TO DONATE: You may donate by check, Venmo, PayPal, or credit card. (See below.)

All donations go to the film Heart of Africa and are made to Congo Rising Corporation, a Section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, and may be tax deductible to the donor for federal tax purposes. Please consult your tax advisor.

REWARDS FOR DONATIONS: See details to the left.

To donate by check: Write the check to Congo Rising Corporation, and mail it to--

Congo Rising Corporation
561 N 700 W
Provo, UT 84601

 To donate by Venmo: Scan the QR code below with your phone (or click on it to go to Venmo online).

To donate by Paypal: Click the button, log in, and send your donation to drcongorising@gmail.com (preferably "Send to friends and family" rather than "Pay for goods and services"; this way there is no fee if you use a US bank or PayPal balance).



To donate by credit card (through GoFundMe): Click the button, then follow the instructions on the GoFundMe page.



*Thank you for helping us reach our goal! This will enable us to release the film theatrically in the US and assist us in our broader marketing, distribution, and charitable efforts.

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