Mission Congo

Mission Congo is a revealing 2013 documentary that offers a comprehensive investigation into the practices of televangelist Pat Robertson's charity, Operation Blessing, during the horrendous human humanitarian crisis that followed the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The film is directed and produced by David Turner and Lara Zizic, who ambitiously examine Robertson's charity works in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) in the aftermath of the genocide, when millions of refugees flooded into the country.

The Rwandan genocide, a bitter and brutal ethnic conflict, led to the exodus of around two million refugees who fled into neighbouring Zaire in a bid to escape the terror. The calamitous situation attracted international attention and mobilized numerous humanitarian organizations to provide much-needed help. Among these was Operation Blessing, a charity linked to the Christian Broadcast Network (CBN), founded by Pat Robertson, an influential televangelist and one-time Presidential candidate.

Mission Congo revolves around this critical historical period, painting a vivid picture of the scene to viewers. It conveys the sense of urgency, despair and chaos that reigned as global bodies and organizations scrambled to provide food, water, medical aid and shelter to millions of desperate, fleeing refugees. In the midst of this catastrophic scenario, the filmmakers examine the role played by Robertson's Operation Blessing and present findings which cast a shadow over its professed mission.

The documentary delves deep into Operation Blessing, which claimed to be providing medical services, establishing schools, and launching farming projects aimed at helping refugees sustain themselves. But as Turner and Zizic’s film reveals through exhaustive research, eyewitness interviews, and archival footage, the truth was seemingly much more complex and disturbing. The film raises questions about the transparency, intentions and validity of their operations, probing beneath the surface to uncover the reality.

Mission Congo foregrounds Robertson’s regular and emotive on-air fundraising campaigns for Operation Blessing on his TV show, the 700 Club. It shows how Robertson used his substantial media platform to appeal to the generosity and compassion of his viewers, pleading for financial contributions to aid the desperate refugees in Zaire. Heart-wrenching images accompanied his passionate pleas, creating a sense of urgency for viewers to donate to the crucial cause.

The film then puts forward an eye-opening claim that the majority of the relief efforts in Zaire were actually undertaken by other established humanitarian organizations, while the involvement of Operation Blessing was reportedly minimal. It goes on to suggest that Robertson’s planes, purportedly sent down to provide assistance, were allegedly used mainly to transport equipment for his private mining venture rather than solely for distributing aid.

These controversial claims, presenting a stark contrast between Robertson's public narrative and the purported reality on the ground, stand at the very heart of Mission Congo. Turner and Zizic expertly balance their narrative, exploring both the operation's narrated intentions and its alleged undertakings to cast a light on potential exploitation and deception. The documentary paints a compelling picture of international aid, media manipulation, and the consequences when unchecked power is combined with unscrupulous business ventures.

However, Mission Congo isn’t just an investigation into Robertson's charity operations. It also serves as a reminder of the immense tragedy of the Rwandan genocide and the subsequent refugee crisis. It effectively uses historical context to highlight humanity's capacity for both compassion and corruption during times of extreme crisis, showcasing how relief efforts can either alleviate suffering or be misused for personal gain.

Overall, Mission Congo is more than just a dry historical piece or a critical exposé of a famous public figure. This documentary intertwines investigative journalism and historical storytelling to present a striking piece of cinematography that’s as gripping as it is important. The riveting narrative serves as a window into ethical questions surrounding charity work and presents a case study for the scrutiny of philanthropic organizations. Mission Congo is sure to resonate with those interested in global issues, humanitarian work, and the complex interplay of power, money, and media.