ESPRESSO T.V.

From Congo to Zaire

1 x 52'

When King Leopold II ceded his land grants in Africa to the Belgian people in 1908, the nation acquired a huge overseas territory. Economic development was seen as the first stage of colonialism which included a new industrial port, a road and rail network opening up the country to overseas trade. 

WWII however destroyed the myth of invincible white colonial power and the Fifties saw the first seeds of an independent movement , the country becoming independent in 1960 with Patrice Lumumba its first Head of Government. Conflict soon followed with the murder of Lumumba and General Mobutu seizing power. He remained there for more than 30 years.

This powerful documentary draws on a wealth of archive material including scenes of colonial life, the last ever pictures of Patrice Lumumba, and images of the tense independence celebrations. It takes a completely fresh look at the turbulent history of the country and provides new insights into the problems which it faces today.