(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)February 1, 2017

MAHWAH, N.J. – On October 17, the Gross Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies and Communication Arts program screened the film, When Elephants Fight, at Ramapo College of New Jersey. Garrett Moore, Campaign Director of the film’s action arm #StandWithCongo, led a discussion of the film via Skype.

Narrated and executive produced by Golden Globe award winner Robin Wright (House of Cards), this eye-opening film spotlights the illicit mineral trade in the Democratic Republic of Congo and shows how the complicity of global tech corporations has affected the continued conflict in the region.

“We are proud that this film shines a light on the illegal and illicit mining practices in the Congo,” states Ms. Wright. “We couldn’t be happier that the film and the #StandWithCongo campaign is reaching a broad and socially conscious and active audience at Pivot.”

The Democratic Republic of Congo is home to some of the world’s richest seams of copper, coltan and other minerals increasingly sought after by global electronics manufacturers for use in smartphones and computers. However, like other resource-rich countries in Africa, rather than improving life for the poorest Congolese, billions of trade dollars are redirected to tax havens and to local militias. The illegal mineral trade has fueled a war that has taken nearly six million lives since 1996.

The film is an extension of the #StandwithCongo campaign that mobilizes students and consumer activists to pressure policy makers, stakeholders and investors for greater transparency and accountability in the mining sector of the Democratic Republic of Congo. To take action, viewers can follow #StandwithCongo on social media and text CONGO to 77177. Actor Robin Wright, activist JD Stier of Stier Forward, and director MikeRamsdell, lead the campaign.

When Elephants Fight is directed by Ramsdell and executive produced by Wright. Janson Media of Tappan, New York handles worldwide distribution.

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