Virunga

Documentarian Writer/Director Orlando von Einsiedel has done a heroic job in going into the heart of the Congo around Virunga, a preserve for the last of the mountain gorillas and other native animals. 

His film entitled Virunga is heroic, not only in terms of the commitment of the Rangers, who patrol the preserve to keep out poachers, but in the fact the area is, also, caught in the midst of the fighting between the Congolese Army and a rebel force known as M23.

But, that’s only half the story, as Einsiedel uncovers the attempt of SOCO, a British-based oil company with an American CEO, to illegally drill on the preserve.

Through the use of body cameras employed by a gutsy female journalist, mercenaries employed by SOCO and its employees let us see that corporate greed gives little care about biodiversity, the land, the animals or the people of the region.

Though sometimes a bit confusing as to who are the “good guys,” you come to realize that’s a plus because you’re put into the true atmosphere of the place where those who care about the animals and the land have to be on guard from several threats at the same time.

I give Virunga a 4 out of 5.  Look for it on Netflix.