Heart of Africa

"Heart of Africa" is beautifully made and beautifully acted and, filmed entirely in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, offers an absolutely authentic African experience. Essentially it is a story of self-discovery, forgiveness, and redemption. It deal with harsh realities but also offers hope and has moments of humor and pure joy. One of my brothers came to the premiere with his partner, who complained a bit beforehand about going to a "Mormon movie." But after it was over, he couldn't stop raving about it. It reminds me of what one TV interviewer said when she was talking with Tshoper Kabambi (the director) and Brandon Ray Olive (one of the lead actors): "It wasn't what I expected—and I loved it!" I've referred to the film as LDS themed and as being (in part) about missionary work. But I've also agreed with Tshoper and others who say that it is an essentially human story, that it is universal. To me there's no contradiction. In fact, I feel that in some ways film is more truly and deeply LDS than some films that are more explicit about their connection with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "Heart of Africa" dives deeply into the essence of the gospel and does that all the more powerfully by not being filtered so much through local (American/Wasatch Front) LDS culture. After seeing the film for perhaps the 40th time, it finally dawned on me, after reading Nephi's discourse on the doctrine of Christ near the end of 2 Nephi, that the film connects powerfully with the gifts of faith and hope and especially charity. It also happens to illustrate the first principles of the gospel: exercising faith, repenting ("we must all change"), being baptized. I wasn't so sure about the gift of the Holy Ghost, but then my wife noted the blessing near the end, where I think we must imagine that gift being strongly present. The "endure to the end" element of course can't be illustrated in a 96-minute film. I've felt the film can open the way to sharing the gospel even just by the images of missionaries on the posters and other publicity—images that the team in the Congo (many not LDS) have been disseminating there. But even more I think viewing the film can affect, and has affected, its viewers with a deeper sense of the essence of the gospel, even if they aren't aware that that's happening, even if they think they've got the gospel down by heart already. Jean Pierre Lono, one of the film's early viewers, now a mission president in the Congo, said, "This film points my tribes, my culture, and my people toward the culture of Christ." Though this is just one little film in a very big universe, I trust that his feelings about that are essentially right.

The acting and surroundings seemed authentic. The gospel of Jesus Christ was not there. There was a darkness in nearly the whole thing. The soundtrack didn't uplift or provide hope or progress. The joy of the people was barely there. I'm sorry, I wanted to love it.

It conveys a message of great importance to sub-Saharan Africa, and to all the world for that matter: dwelling on the past breeds new generations of anger. Recognizing the past but accepting universal kinship will break the cycle. // The movie was well made, which is remarkable for a novice director from a country that has no (zero) film industry.

This film, set in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is theoretically an LDS film -- but it's simultaneously different and much more than that. This film was made in the DRC with a Congolese director, cast, and crew, and is true to the culture and people of the DRC. It's also not a film about a foreign people being converted by the "good white guys." Far, far from it. Instead, this is a deeply human story. Mormonism is part of the story, but only as one of multiple narratives that the main character encounters as he struggles to figure out who he wants to be. Its treatment of Mormonism, the characters, and themes are all excellent. It's an independent film, and has some of the limitations and shortcomings commonly seen in indies. However, I want to stress that it has more than the average number of strengths: A fantastic soundtrack, phenomenal acting, and a strong script are just a few high-points to note.