When Elephants Fight

When Elephants Fight is a captivating, thought-provoking, and hard-hitting documentary film released in 2015, featuring the critically acclaimed actress, Robin Wright. The film is a raw, honest, and eye-opening account of the natural resource conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It allows the audience an in-depth look into the great strife that plagues this richly endowed African nation. Successfully portraying the stark contrast between the natural riches of Congo and the harsh poverty its citizens suffer.

The film’s title, “When Elephants Fight,” is drawn from an African proverb, which states, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” This proverb directly correlates to the ongoing conflict in Congo, signifying how the tussle between powerful entities impacts the most vulnerable and average citizens. The "elephants" in this situation are multinational corporations, foreign governments, and armed groups that fight over Congo's valuable natural resources, while the "grass" represents the citizens of Congo, who bear the brunt of this conflict.

The documentary is presented by Stand With Congo, a campaign designed to end the conflict in Congo over minerals used in consumer electronics. Robin Wright, known for her roles in “Forrest Gump” and “House of Cards,” serves as the documentary's narrator and executive producer, bringing star power and a committed, passionate advocate to the cause.

Directed by Mike Ramsdell, “When Elephants Fight” uses a mix of interviews, archival footage, and on-ground documentation to explore the circumstances that led to the current conflict. The film seamlessly moves between the horrific consequences of the conflict, the vast material wealth lying beneath the Congo's surface, and the historical overview of how the country got to where it is today, providing an accurate and well-rounded vision of the situation.

Going back to historical times, the film delves into how Congo’s colonial past, under Belgian rule, set a tone of exploitation and conflict over resources. It further tracks the nation's heartbreaking journey through independence, dictatorship under Mobutu Sese Seko, and the subsequent chaotic periods filled with wars and politics, all heavily influenced by international interests.

The film makes a significant effort to present the complexity of the Congo conflict. It does not shy away from showing images of violence, testimonials from survivors, and the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in the nation. It reveals the open secret that multinational corporations from the western world and neighboring African countries are profiting from the conflict minerals trade, despite their public stance against it. The documentary investigates how these minerals end up in global supply chains, particularly within the technology and electronics industries, thereby emphasizing the strong, albeit indirect, link between global consumers and the war in Congo.

While the picture painted by the documentary is bleak, it also showcases the resilience and spirit of Congo’s citizens amidst despair and devastation. The film highlights the voices of activists, human rights workers, and ordinary Congolese who are fighting for a better future.

One would not immediately connect Robin Wright's Hollywood stardom with a hard-hitting exploration of the world's deadliest war since World War II, but in "When Elephants Fight," she brings her full energy and commitment to bring attention to the ongoing conflict in Congo. Her narration is heartfelt and powerful, bringing an additional layer of emotional capacity to the film.

"When Elephants Fight" is more than just a film; it is a call to action. It urges individuals and governments worldwide to take cognizance of the situation, advocate for changes in international policies that enable such conflicts, and push corporations to ensure responsible sourcing of minerals.

Overall, “When Elephants Fight” is a documentary that combines historical context, raw emotion, and journalistic investigation, making it a gripping watch. While the narrative it presents is tragic and heart-wrenching at times, it successfully brings the plight of the Congolese people and the broader implications of global economics to the forefront, leaving viewers with plenty to contemplate. It is well worth a watch for anyone interested in human rights, global politics, or individuals who believe in the power of change.