Congo: Millionaires of Chaos (2018)
The documentary Congo: Millionaires of Chaos, released in 2018, sheds light on the paradoxical reality of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This vast African nation, despite being one of the world’s poorest countries, harbors an intriguing phenomenon: an unusually high proportion of millionaires.
The film delves into the lives of these wealthy individuals, exploring their diverse backgrounds and paths to fortune. Among them are businessmen, artists, former rebel leaders, and evangelists. Their wealth stands in stark contrast to the dire conditions faced by the majority of the population, where approximately 70% live on less than a dollar a day.
The capital city, Kinshasa, serves as a microcosm of this disparity. Here, the new rich reside in secure and luxurious enclaves, insulated from the chaos that engulfs the rest of the city. Meanwhile, children toil tirelessly in perilous conditions, working underground to extract coltan—a valuable mineral used in electronic devices.
The documentary also highlights the resilience of the Congolese people, who navigate this complex landscape. Amidst poverty, political instability, and resource exploitation, they find ways to survive and even thrive. The film captures the tension between wealth and destitution, revealing the intricate web of power, corruption, and opportunity that defines the DRC.
Director Guillaume Dumant masterfully portrays this paradoxical reality, inviting viewers to contemplate the moral implications of such extreme disparities. “Congo: Millionaires of Chaos” serves as a thought-provoking exploration of wealth, privilege, and the human cost of prosperity in a country plagued by chaos.
