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PORTFOLIO
“For too long the media, historians and academics have been telling our stories, and now the time has come for change. It is time for the people to tell our story/ Herstory/ History / Theirstory.” I was born in the in Kinshasa capital DR Congo, where I lived until the age of three, also known back then as Zaire. A country which is often referred to as “The worst place to be a woman or notoriously “the rape capital of the world”, a statement I would strongly argue against having understood the political agenda behind it. To me Congo is home. A place where strong empowering women reside, working day and night to provide for their families. After many discussions with women in my family and women in society when I returned back home, one thing that was clear to me is that despite living in difficult circumstances with very limited resources and opportunities they have still managed to create something for themselves, and for their families, along with a strong bond of sisterhood and solidarity. These positive aspects of Congo are never spoken about, the Congolese people are trying “rebuild” their society however the world is only fed negative images of the country. With this in mind, on my last visit I decided to create something, a conversation in documentary format that could help to draw another narrative and portrait these women in a more balanced way a real dialogue away from the rhetorical stories that belittle and only show them as a victimized character. Titled ‘Herstory’, my mission is to show the empowering nature of my people as strong survivors and inspiring human beings. The Herstory documentary will raise awareness of the difficulties Women in the rural areas of Congo face with the aim of supporting them with economic freedom within their community. To help achieve this I have created “Move” a non-profit org focus and intentions is towards to support and provide farming women with necessary tools to improve their harvesting, from financial support to training. Women in rural areas of Congo play a majority role in agricultural production, representing 73% of farmers and producing over 80% of food crops. Though expected to cover most of the costs of family life and education, women do not have equal land rights, are often restricted to selling lower value produce and have little access to farming resources, training and markets. “Move” will encourage social change for women in the farming industry as well as implement strategies to make it more sustainable including access for a new access for water well which will provide clean water within community for all. I present to you the teaser for ‘Herstory’. This is my first filming/directing experience, and it is one that is so close to my heart. The documentary will be complete on my next visit to Congo. In the meantime, I am hoping to gain support for the plights of this project to help raise the funds necessary to make a difference. If you are interested in being involved, have ideas or advice please contact me.
Nadia Otshudi