Virunga

The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo is home to the last of the mountain gorillas.  The gorillas are considered protect species  It is also the home to many natural resources, including oil, bringing it to the attention of many different parties.  British oil company Soco International is looking to drill for oil, and the militia group M23 want to control the area for their own financial benefit.  Poachers regularly invade the park to hunt gorillas.  The park also serves as a sanctuary for locals who have no where else to go.

The park is run by Emmanuel de Merode, Belgian royalty turned chief warden who serves as the voice of the park.  He is assisted by head park ranger Rodrigue Mugaruka Katembo, a former child soldier, and a staff of park rangers.  The park rangers put their lives on the line every day to defend the park, and over the past 15 years over 130 have lost their lives.  The rangers also care for injured gorillas and help nurse them back to health.  Andre Bauma is the main gorilla carer, who views the gorillas as part of his family.  French journalist Melanie Gouby fearlessly goes undercover to investigate Soco's actions towards the park.  As civil war breaks out, can these individuals protect Virunga?

I discovered this film because it was nominated for an Oscar (Best Documentary Feature), and since it was available on Netflix's Instant Streaming I decided to give it a try.  It is a powerful documentary / film.  Director Orlando von Einsiedel shows the beauty of the park with sweeping cinematography that takes your breath away, while also showing the harsh realities that surround the park.

Before the credits roll there are a few notes about events that took place after filming, but before the release of the film.  The biggest event happened in April 2014: Emmanuel de Merode took evidence against Soco to the Congolese authorities and was shot several times.  He survived and returned to his post in May.

Like 2013's Blackfish, this documentary has already had a tremendous impact on the situation depicted within the film.  Hopefully this renewed interest will help the park and the gorillas survive.

Virunga (2014) 90 minutes
Director: Orlando von Einsiedel