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When Destiny Calls: Surviving the First Congo War and the Nyarugusu Refugee Camp

Meet Msenwa "Oliver" Mweneake, a former Congolese refugee who beat all the odds when he survived the First Congo War - the brutal invasion of Congo by Rwandan rebel forces in 1996. Oliver recounts the struggles and tragedies he encounters as a young boy who is displaced by the conflict, forced to adapt any means of survival. Over the span of fifteen years, a series of events would lead him to his ultimate destiny as a local family sponsors him to Canada.

  • Nadia Zaidi
    Director
  • Nadia Zaidi
    Writer
  • Nadia Zaidi
    Producer
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Feature
  • Runtime:
    35 hours 10 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    December 10, 2018
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Hope Africa University
    Bujumbura
    Burundi
    September 13, 2018
  • St Francis Centre For Community, Arts & Culture
    Ajax
    Canada
    August 25, 2018
Director Biography - Nadia Zaidi

Nadia Zaidi is a freelance journalist and filmmaker who contributes to several local and national publications. When Destiny Calls is her first documentary film. She is currently producing and directing her second film on barriers to organ donations in Canada. She previously hosted and developed an investigative series for local television in Ontario.

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Director Statement

This film was a labour of love and I believe in its poignant message. I hope this story will resonate with audiences who might not be familiar with the human rights violations occurring in the DRC. There are currently over 150,000 refugees living in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania. This film continues to raise awareness on the First Congo War and the consequences of this conflict on current day DRC. I strive toward continued awareness and advocacy for the people of Congo.