Rent this film for $4.99

This is the definitive visual record of the rise and fall of Joseph Désiré Mobutu, ruler of Zaire (the Congo) for over 30 years. Drawing upon 140 hours of rare archival material found in Kinshasa, and 50 hours of interviews with those once close to him, MOBUTU, KING OF ZAIRE tells the story of the man at the heart of Central Africa's post-colonial history.

This is part two of three parts:

Part Two - AN AFRICAN TRAGEDY

Covering the years from 1969 to 1988, Part Two documents how by 1970 Mobutu was the undisputed ruler of Zaire, controlling its riches, property and people. Resistance was brutally repressed, as shown in footage of a University protest that ends in bloodshed, and other sequences of trials and executions of supposed traitors.

This period brought an economic crisis, which Mobutu responded to with "Zaireinization." Brandon Grove, the U.S. Ambassador at the time, sees this as the beginning of the "kleptocracy" -- the government confiscated businesses and properties, which Mobutu took as his own, or handed out to his cronies.

"A stunning documentary of the life of Mobuto... one of Africa's most notorious postcolonial despots."—American Historical Review

"Rejects shrill indictment in favor of the cumulative revelation of its subject through film and the testimony of knowledgeable Mobutu aides and other qualified individuals. [This film] is the devastating witness that lays bare the homicidal, corrupt, vainglorious tyranny of Mobutu Sese Seko."—The New York Times

"Remarkable! A film of almost literally fantastic footage and revealing interviews. Students should see it... Excellent!"—David Moore, University of Natal, Durban, for H-SAfrica

"Previously unseen archive footage interspersed with interviews with survivors of Mobutu's inner circle makes for great cinematic drama. A rarity."—Mail and Guardian

"A tremendous documentary on the folly of power."—Le Monde