The cinematographic work “Virunga Energies: from darkness to light” by Moimi Wezam and Nelson Makengo represents a poignant testimony to the radical transformation experienced by the city of Goma, suddenly plunged into darkness following the bombing of the installations of the Virunga Énergies high voltage line. This short documentary film, revealed during its first screening at the Kinshasa Academy of Fine Arts, offers a captivating look at a life-saving initiative that has changed the lives of residents.
At the heart of this gripping story is the journey of Virunga Énergies, an innovative company embodying the energy renewal long awaited by the population of Goma. Thanks to the financial and logistical support of the United States Embassy in the DRC, materialized by an investment of 16 million dollars via USAID, this association was able to restore hope and light to a community plunged into darkness.
The film highlights the courage and determination of the members of Virunga Énergies, engaged in the design and construction of hydroelectric power stations, thus offering an edifying story on the concrete impact of their actions on the daily lives of the inhabitants of Goma. The public screening of this documentary allowed the Kinshasa public to plunge into the heart of this human adventure, before realizing the palpable reality in Goma, an emblematic place of this transformation.
In 27 intense minutes, the film accurately and emotionally recounts the poignant testimonies of the inhabitants of Goma, who have been facing a climate of instability and precariousness for decades. Virunga Énergies embodies a real hope for sustainable development by developing environmentally friendly hydroelectricity, anchored in the preservation of the Virunga Park, the natural jewel of Africa.
Virunga Énergies’ inclusive approach also results in job creation, offering a new perspective to populations who are often marginalized and affected by conflicts. Reducing crime and supporting the local community are essential pillars of this visionary initiative.
Through the construction of electrical networks, public lighting and the growing production of megawatts, Virunga Énergies is asserting itself as a major player in the rebirth of Goma. The social and economic benefits of this initiative are palpable, creating a dynamic fabric of entrepreneurship and development, serving a community in search of progress and hope.
“Virunga Energies: from darkness to light” transcends the simple story of an energy company to become the symbol of rebirth, resilience in the face of adversity, and a fierce desire to build a future better for all. This documentary film, driven by the passion and commitment of its directors, opens a window onto a world where energy, solidarity and environmental preservation combine to chart a path towards light.