The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo: Interview with Director Lisa F. Jackson

Directed by Lisa F. Jackson, The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo addresses the innumerable casualties of women and children who have been kidnapped, raped and tortured by soldiers as a result of the decade long war in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Before Jackson’s documentary, the world knew nothing of these women who died and suffered silently. As a result of Jackson’s committed efforts, these stories are now being told to our global community – the home in which we all live.

Jackson’s documentary also won the 2008 Sundance Film Festival’s Jury Prize.

Next Thursday, June 18th, The Human Rights Watch Chicago Network invites the public to attend the Human Rights Watch International Film Festival – Chicago, featuring a screening of the The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo.

Jackson will also be in attendance. The event will be held at 5:30 PM at the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 East Chicago Avenue, Education Center Entrance.)

I had the privilege of connecting with Jackson regarding her experience in making these stories come to life, the impact they’ve had within our global community and how we can all participate in raising awareness about these unbelievable stories.

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Laura Cococcia: In your documentary, The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo, you’ve weaved together stories to create one comprehensive account with a powerful message. Undoubtedly, hearing these stories must be extremely difficult – but what would you say was the most rewarding part of bringing them to life?

Lisa Jackson: To give a face and a voice to these forgotten women in a forgotten war was a privilege, and the ultimate reward was that they trusted me with their stories. The best moment was when I took the film back to the eastern DRC to show it to the women themselves and was able to tell them about the millions of people all over the world who had been moved by their brave truths.

Laura Cococcia: Can you share a one or two of the most powerful pieces of feedback you’ve received to date from the documentary?

Lisa Jackson: The film is very discomfiting and rattles people, shocking most out of their complacency and moving them to ask what they can do to help make a difference for the women and girls whose stories they’ve heard. I think one of the most meaningful comments I’ve heard came from the former US ambassador to the United Nations who told me that the film “removed the element of deniability” and moved him to sponsor a UN Security Council resolution that recognizes, finally, that rape as a tactic of war destabilizes families and threatens a nation’s security.

Laura Cococcia: You’ve received notable acclaim for the documentary and have clearly brought these untold stories into greater awareness for many people. What can the rest of us do to help advocate?

Lisa Jackson: The film’s website, The Greatest Silence, has an outreach page with a reading list for those who want to know more (always a good idea), links to organizations working in the DRC where donations can be made, information about bills pending in the US Senate and House on conflict minerals and a downloadable “how to help” one-pager. We’re putting together a “tool box” that will come with the DVD that has a Congo study guide, discussion points, etc. so that people can organize screening parties to spread awareness.

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I will be attending next week along with other colleagues and friends. For those of you in the Chicago area, please join us. For those of you in other locales, please keep on the lookout for future screening or opportunities to organize your own screenings. More information can be found on the film’s website.