African documentaries present vivid snapshots of what it really means to be an African. From deep interrogations on identity and family woes to the modern-day struggles for survival, the best Africa documentary teaches you a lot of things.
They tell real-life stories with a little drama to keep you entertained. The majority of the African documentaries initially focused on stories such as war, famine, political instability and crime. Africans themselves narrate the documentaries.
However, African documentaries nowadays also tell about the positive things in the continent. The best Africa documentary describes everything that happens in the continent, from good to bad.
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Which is the Best Africa Documentary?
Virunga is the best Africa documentary that is a must-watch. The documentary narrates the incredible true story of a group of brave people trying to build a better future in Congo.
Virunga documentary. Photo/ UNRIC.org.
The small team of park rangers include an ex-child soldier, a dedicated conservationist and a caretaker of orphan gorillas. This embattled team protects the Virunga National Park from poachers and armed militia in eastern Congo.
The group also fights against dark forces which are struggling to control Congo due to its vast resources.
With a powerful combination of investigative journalism, Virunga exposes the realities of life in Congo. The African documentary investigates the activities of Soco International, a British oil company, within Virunga National Park.
Apart from the vices in Congo, Virunga also focuses on the natural beauty and biodiversity of the national park.
The Africa documentary was released on April 17, 2014, and it runs for 100 minutes. It has won several film awards, including the Peabody Award; the Feature Documentary Award at DOXA Documentary Festival in Vancouver, Canada.
Is Virunga on Netflix?
Virunga, the Oscar-nominated true story of the rangers risking their lives to save Africa’s most precious national park and its endangered gorillas, is available on Netflix.
Virunga documentary is available on Netflix. Photo/ UNESCO World Heritage Centre.
Before watching the Africa documentary, be prepared to shed absolute buckets at the horrors.
Where is Virunga Filmed?
Production began in 2012 when von Einsiedel travelled to Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He intended to document the positive progress that the park’s authorities had made in encouraging tourism and the region’s development.
Is Virunga a Good Movie?
Virunga is a work of heart-stopping suspense and heart-wrenching tenderness. The Africa documentary is one of the best investigative reports and an unforgettable drama.
With enough action, pathos, suspense and stalwart heroes protecting the mountain gorillas in Virunga National Park, the documentary is a must-see for everybody. The real message here is the levels that people will go to in order to save a species.
The Africa documentary has an element of uncertainty that one feels when watching.
Is it Safe to Visit Virunga?
It is safe to visit Virunga National Park. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most visited national parks in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Congo has gone through years of prolonged wars. However, the government has taken the necessary measures to ensure the park is free from all forms of insecurity.
Since the reopening of Virunga in February 2019, the government has increased security measures by recruiting more rangers, security personnel and the military. The park had initially been closed in May 2018 due to the temporary kidnapping of two British tourists.
Virunga National Park is famous for its mountain gorillas, which has attracted many tourists interested in gorilla trekking in Central Africa.
A ranger and a mountain gorilla in Virunga National Park. Photo/ Atqnews.
Apart from gorilla trekking, tourists also visit Virunga for camping, boat safaris and hiking the Virunga mountains. The park is home to active volcanoes; Mount Nyiragongo and mount Nyamuragira.
Is Congo the Heart of Africa?
The Democratic Republic of Congo is located in the heart of Africa, bordered by nine other African countries. The country is the size of Western Europe, with an estimated 70 million inhabitants.
Congo is rich in natural resources as it boasts vast deposits of industrial diamonds, copper and cobalt. The country has one of the largest forest reserves in Africa.
Despite being rich in minerals, Democratic Republic of Congo is one of the poorest nations in the world.
