In the late 1990s, Rose Mapendo was imprisoned with her family during violence that engulfed the Democratic Republic of Congo. Her harrowing experience included the nighttime arrest of her entire family by government agents, the execution of her husband, the birth of their twin sons in prison, and grim negotiations with prison guards to save the lives of her children. Pushing the Elephant is about how she emerged from the harrowing experience to advocate forgiveness and reconciliation. In a country where ethnic violence has created seemingly irreparable rifts among Tutsis, Hutus, and other Congolese, this remarkable woman is a vital voice in her beleaguered nation’s search for peace.

Speakers for the post screening discussion are:

• Emira Woods, IPS’ Foreign Policy in Focus project
• Maurice Carney, Friends of the Congo
• JaBen Early, cast member of “Ruined”
• Caroline Slobodzian, US National Committe for UN Women, National Capital Chapter

There is no admission fee but reservations are advised. To RSVP email pte@communitycinema-dc.org or call 202-939-0794 Also get information about the March 13th screening.

Community Cinema [DC] hosts screenings each month (from October to June) at Busboys and Poets and the Washington DC Jewish Community Center. IPS’s Social Action & Leadership School for Activsts (SALSA) has served as community partner with Community Cinema [DC] since 2005. Screenings are followed by lively panel discussions that bring together citizens, organizations and public television stations to encourage dialogue and action around important and timely social issues.