City of Joy
“When we tell the truth, we change the world”
Synopsis
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured 20 years of devastating violence. Rape has been used as a weapon of war to destroy community and access precious minerals. Congo is often referred to as “the worst place in the world to be a woman.” "City of Joy" tells a different story of the region. The film focuses on Jane, a student at a center where women who have suffered unimaginable abuse join together to become leaders. We also meet the founders of the center: a devout Congolese Doctor, a Congolese activist, and a radical N.Y. playwright. The film weaves between joy and pain as these individuals band together to demand hope in a place so often deemed hopeless.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
City of Joy | Official Trailer [HD] | NetflixOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2018-08-13
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
Streaming Window: 665 DaysNovember 11, 2016
Wide Cinema Exhibition
September 7, 2018
VOD & Digital Platforms
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Madeleine Gavin
- Screenplay & Story
- Madeleine Gavin
- Original Score
- Lokua Kanza
- Original Title
- City of Joy
- Country of Origin
- Congo, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- German, Swahili, French, English
- Runtime
- 1h 14m
- Production Studios
- Essence Road, Impact Partners
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Madeleine Gavin
Madeleine Gavin
Lokua Kanza
Taylor Krauss, Lisa Rinzler
Madeleine Gavin
Amy Rao, Dan Cogan, Wendy Schmidt, Geralyn White Dreyfous, Regina K. Scully
Department Leadership Roster
Taylor Krauss
Director of Photography
Lisa Rinzler
Director of Photography
Madeleine Gavin
Writer
Madeleine Gavin
Director
Allyson Luchak
Producer
Madeleine Gavin
Editor
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for City of Joy.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring City of Joy.
***Documentar***
Netflix
All Netflix Movies — USA
Movies TMDB currently marks as available with a Netflix subscription in the United States. Generated 2026-08-10.
500 best 2018's movies
Netflix Movies
Films [HD]---[C]
More Like City of Joy
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About City of Joy
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is City of Joy about?
The Democratic Republic of Congo has endured 20 years of devastating violence. Rape has been used as a weapon of war to destroy community and access precious minerals. Congo is often referred to as “the worst place in the world to be a woman.” "City of Joy" tells a different story of the region. The film focuses on Jane, a student at a center where women who have suffered unimaginable abuse join together to become leaders. We also meet the founders of the center: a devout Congolese Doctor, a Congolese activist, and a radical N.Y. playwright. The film weaves between joy and pain as these individuals band together to demand hope in a place so often deemed hopeless.
Who directed City of Joy?
City of Joy was directed by Madeleine Gavin.
Who stars in City of Joy?
The principal cast of City of Joy includes Christine Schuler-Deschryver, Denis Mukwege Mukengere, V, Jane Mukunilwa.
When was City of Joy released and how long is it?
City of Joy was released in 2016 with a total runtime of 1h 14m.
Who composed the musical score for City of Joy?
The original motion picture soundtrack for City of Joy was composed by Lokua Kanza.