Pushing the Elephant

One day, genocide will be a historical term. Until that day, we have organizations like Mapendo International that raise awareness about nightmares the average American can't fathom.

I recently had the pleasure to meet Rose Mapendo and her brother Kigabo, as well as filmmakers Beth Davenport and Elizabeth Mandel at a Los Angeles screening of Pushing the Elephant. The film combines the heart-wrenching emotions of war and death associated with the Congolese Civil War with the joy of a family reunion as Rose embraces a daughter she has not seen in 13 years.

Rose is the epitome of a strong, black woman. She has survived her husband's murder, imprisonment, refugee status, and separation from her daughter. And she doesn't give up the struggle. She fights for the victims of the genocide, especially the women. I urge you to support this documentary.

Happy Filmmaking.