Pastor Mazambi preaching during the evening cult in Barumbu Commune (independent pastor Manzambi) – 2011

The Necessary Evil
BELGIUM   www.lpongo.eu

The Necessary Evil is a hybrid short movie filmed in Congo DR. It combines stills and moving images into a documentary short questionning religion and faith while looking at the power dynamic between pastors and believers in the context of independent protestant churches in Congo DR. In a mostly christian country, where 90% of the population attends weekly service, the spread of these cults has known a steady rise in the last 20 years. Their self proclaimed leaders claim to have received god’s powers and to perform his will. In exchange for power and money, they claim to be able to fulfil miracles, to protect from bad curses, ensure salvation and perform mystic healing.