Stop Filming Us
One of the more challenging films of the year, Stop Filming Us, explores neocolonialism by combating media perceptions of African communities. Focusing primarily on the Congo, the film dives into the harm charities, non-profits, and the general media do when framing African communities in a consistently negative or impoverished light. It’s a documentary with attitude and personality, and it’s refreshing to see these communities take control of their narrative and fight back against seemingly well-meaning but harmful exploitation. At the same time, the film doesn’t feel like a lecture as we get into the lives of various Congolese communities to show there’s more than the hardship you’d see on a charity poster. It’s an explicitly anti-white savior movie and a necessary watch for anyone who wants to get involved in activism or not-profit work.
