An intimate family drama set against the backdrop of the 1998 conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Pushing the Elephant tells the story of Rose Mapendo, who was separated during the conflict from her five-year-old daughter, Nangabire. Rose survived the atrocities of those years and was eventually resettled in Phoenix, Arizona, with her other children. Now, after 12 years apart, Rose and her daughter Nangabire are reunited in the US. Through the story of their reunion, we come to understand the excruciating decisions Rose made in order to survive and the complex difficulties Nangabire faces as a refugee in the US—torn between her painful past and a hopeful future.

Q&A discussions with filmmakers Beth Davenport and Elizabeth Mandel and film subject Rose Mapendo will follow both screenings. A reception will also follow the Ritzy screening.

Human Rights Watch has published widely on the armed conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Our most recent report, Always on the Run, looks at the vicious cycle of displacement in Eastern Congo. http://www.hrw.org/africa/democratic-republic-congo

Presented in association with Congo Now!, www.congonow.org, the Refugee Council, www.refugeecouncil.org.uk and Oxfam, www.oxfam.org.uk.
After the film join Congo Now for a night of Congolese music and dancing at the Ritzy Upstairs.