Almost entirely cut off from the outside world and inaccessible by road, filmmakerLivia Simoka is welcomed by a close-knit family who treat her as their own. She is fully immersed in their daily lives from sharing in unexpected tragedies to observing the significance of tribal traditions like female tooth sharpening. Traditionally the Pygmies are regarded as egalitarian, with women on a broadly equal footing with men, but as Livia gains insight into their common practices including polygamy, she reveals a darker truth where domestic violence and male domination is still prevalent. Over the months she learns of the Mbendjele's unique ways of surviving in the isolated rainforest and also discovers threats to their way of life, both from hostile neighbours and a new road that is planned to be built through their land.

@user-go6tu1li3l

Ай бұрын

I need the 🎬 movie,if she produces it with Mel gibsons help it would be a classic😢

I LOVED that she lived with them for a while and not just visited and made a documentary off of it. She learned their way of life and bonded with them. Really good documentary!!

@cygoody697

Ай бұрын

yea shes dope asf for that not like these other personalities who go for one day faking it for the camera

Oh God, I watched this long documentary from the beginning to the end in one sitting. It’s captivating. I came to love Mama and Papa, and their caring nature overlaps with my own parents. Their generosity must be something to do with their hunting and gathering egalitarian lifestyle. Truly beautiful people.

Probably one of the most in-depth and content-rich documentaries I’ve ever viewed… Livia and the production crew did an incredible job on this one!

@ellenbarnette2080

13 күн бұрын

It was absolutely amazing this got a 10 out of 10 for me ❤

I love how they yell out their frustrations in the morning and then get on with enjoying their day.

@frauzauberwelt1792

4 күн бұрын

I think we should integrate this into our everyday lives too 😤🤪❤️‍🩹

I did not comment until I watched the entire documentary. Livia, please understand how much I appreciate your documentary. I am watching a lot of those on You tube and always thought there are not enough around from a woman's point of view. You delivered and you exceeded in showing us such a beautiful and insightful view of a tribe. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cried in the end as the tribe saw you as a daughter and I hope you continue showing us such powerful testimonies of people who value everything we have forgotten. Much love from the UK.

As I sit here 😢 crying and typing, this has got to be the most informative, educational and loving documentary I’ve ever watched. I Pray Mama, Papa, and the entire family much happiness and success. Kudos to you Livia and your film crew. Sorry for any misspellings ❤️ 🙏

@Phjghh

Ай бұрын

Crying and typing are banned.

@matildamarmaduke1096

Ай бұрын

​@@Phjghhdamn just when I thought it was safe banned again

@luckygirlme6068

Ай бұрын

Definitely crying also

@Nakiesrussphynxcattery

Күн бұрын

Agreed ❤

This journalist, Livia and her camera man (or crew) deserves an award for this documentary. I was edified beyond belief. The farewell was emotional.

I just Love Mama,Papa and her family..I hope this young lady goes back to see them..u can tell they genuinely love her

This was such a treat. They need a reality show. I feel so close to mama and her daughter. Encore ❤

I love these longer documentaries. It's not just spend a week with someone. it's longer time, learning their culture and intimate familial ways. Definitely keeping this in my playlist for later watching.

Even in the middle of nowhere, there's still drama.

@ravidavis1847

Ай бұрын

It's the center of their universe. Get it.

@WanjikuMaina

Ай бұрын

So long as there's people, there will be drama

@sandraace8481

Ай бұрын

Drama is everywhere

@MegaJohnwesly

Ай бұрын

😂

@ieatoil2516

7 күн бұрын

😭ts was so interesting like the drama is crazy

This Doc had me crying when their family died. I just lost my grandma. I feel very connected to my people of africa. This was a beautiful doc. Thank you.

@mmacutgirl8

Ай бұрын

So sorry for your loss.... but I'm sure she's watching over you as we speak❤❤🙏

@islandgirl9479

Ай бұрын

I'm so sorry for your loss 🙏🏽

As a fan of free Documentary.. i want to Thank you for the extraordinary opportunity to view your Documentary ❤ i literally watched it 3 times to make sure i miss nothing !!! I can't imagine what you experience while filming this beautiful family ! I have to say the most sad part was the baby monkey 🐒. It broke my heart to witness this 💔. THANK YOU FOR SHARING ❤❤❤

The way I am crying and so full of joy watching this documentary .... I hope you are able to visit and help them some with this story . I love how they loved you.

This has been the most fascinating documentary I've watched. Please keep us update with your host family and everyone else there. Amazing.

@DarrenandJanLewis

Ай бұрын

Agreed. So beautiful. I cried as they said goodbye and immediately looked for an update video to see how things changed for her family after the road. Then I saw this was JUST posted two weeks ago! Wow.

Humble people living their humble, peaceful, and happy lives...am fearful the road will come with logging and disrupt this happy settlement...greetings from Kenya!

@hildabay-od8267

Ай бұрын

Its not peaceful...theres fight even in the middle of the n8ght😂😂😂

@grizzlymullet2329

Ай бұрын

Peaceful!?!? There’s absolutely nothing peaceful about these tribes! What a stinking nightmare they have going on. No humility either, they are constantly hurting one another! Yelling, fighting and yelling some more! Geez, if they didn’t have the modern world to maybe give them the slight possibility of modernizing, they would remain in the Stone Age for another 10,000 years. Great documentary though!

This is the Best Documentary of all time, I bet this lady Livia is a Star,

By far the best documentary I’ve ever watched!

Such a great documentary film ever done to portray the very simple life of the natives, without even worrying of their food, how they gonna eat, or where they gonna find it. They always trusted that they will always be provided of what the need at the present. Nice knowing they rituals, cultures and tradition. No matter what, people strive to live according to their daily needs. They also know how to be happy in their own simple way.

I saw this in three parts not too long ago. Thank you for posting the documentary in full. This was the best one I’ve watched on the Pygmy tribe. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

@FreeDocumentary

Ай бұрын

thank you

I'm from Kenya and this video shows a whole different world. Most time I was sad..but at the same time envious of their simplistic way of life. Thank you for such a comprehensive video.

This culture and the people are absolutely beautiful. What a gift they gave by inviting Livia there and allowing us to have a look into the intimate parts of human experience.

Ive learned more about the pygmies in this one documentsry than most ive watch becsuse she took the time to get personal and to ask deep questions and it gives us deeper insight ratber than just going out and watching them hunt. She was far more respectful and understanding when it came to their practices including their food preperation and ive seen lots of men unable to handle what she did. This girl is tough. Sensitive but tough. Its crazy watching their gov do essentially what we did to Native Americans, gave them a bottle of liquor and made some big promises and said things that the pygmies dont fully comprehend. Its sad seeing this happen the world over and in another 100 years tribal life will be a rarity.

@sharonsmith1505

20 күн бұрын

Are there any Caucasian villages, like these on the earth.

Thank you for these beautiful documentaries. 🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪👏👏👏👏

My mom had an dna ancestral test done for Mother’s Day, and we found out that my mother is not of Mexican heritage as she was led to believe her entire life, but she is of 50% African American 30% pygmy tribe of the Congo 20% Of Nigerian descent Our whole lives we were stripped from our real heritage! My mom was devastated that she was misled and had missed out on her heritage almost her whole life! I’m proud of whatever heritage our family may be. ❤

This truly captivated me from beginning to end! I would love to see a follow up in the future 💕

The baby monkey hit my heart & definitely made me sad. But I understand these folks have to do what is necessary to survive.

Very inspiring and touching Livia . A generation down the line will desire to follow your bravery and courage. Your Masambo was very hilarious 😂.

Much love from 🇰🇪 Kenya

@onsasezablon7929

Ай бұрын

Kenya wapi

@jimflask1164

Ай бұрын

Soon the whole world will be united in prosperity and goodness. We met the new people and it's happening.

Hi Livia This documentary has made me look how important it is to reflect on how other people are living and also realize how important it is to appreciate wherever you find yourself. Being African myself and close to such kind of tribes, i can relate to the life you must have been through while in that village, from sleeping on the ground to going into the forest to hunt and a lot of other activities you might have been involved in, it is incredible. This documentary made me look at the story of Ota Benda in 1905, i want to believe that he might be from this village or a nearby village. I felt sad for the lady that died, it could have been avoided, it could be something that can be treated easily in the hospital but due to lack of proper medical care unfortunately she succumbed to it. I wish they get the road constructed soon even though it will definitely affect their ways of life, but it can also save them from losing people to illnesses that are treatable. And oh! The teeth sharpening was really scary yet incredible. That dentist might need some more tools hahaha. Thank you Livia.

Thank you for this magnificent documentary. That proves that we, humans, have the exact same issues, needs, and feelings no matter where we live in this planet. ❤

My favorite documentary 💕 i can't wait to see an update in the future l.

Wow that was a great documentary! Well done Livia and film crew!!❤❤

Best documentary I've seen in a long time 😁👍🌸

this is the most beautiful and amazingly fantastic story I have ever seen,,so well documented,,much love ❤❤❤❤

Awesome documentary Livia simoka ❤

WOW! WOW! WOW! Lost for words. I felt like I was there with Livia. I cried so much when we had to leave. Thank you for sharing this beautiful place and its people with us. I'm in Cpe Town, South Africa.

Phenomenal, very informative.. True definition of love yours!!

One of the best ethnographic documentaries I have seen. What an adventurous heart Livia ❤

I loved this entire documentary. Teared up at the end

This is Amazing. Thank you for this project. Interesting to see some dudes are the same lame no matter where you go😅😅😅 Fantstic Work

@nyawirapurity2133

Ай бұрын

Same old tigers ...he stripes never change....😂😂😂

@peggystoutemorin4529

Ай бұрын

Isn't it the truth? Fools everywhere.

Amazing just amazing!!!thank you so much.

An amazing documentary. The best one I’ve ever seen. The people and culture are absolutely beautiful! This is very well put together and educational. I enjoyed it.

@FreeDocumentary

Ай бұрын

So happy you enjoyed and thank you for letting us know!

I plan to start watching documentaries moving forward! Thank you

This documentary is everything about life and what we should really live for. Happiness peace and to be contented. Much love to these beautiful people. ❤❤❤

I can't begin to put into words what I felt watching this. I felt moments of unconditional love, acceptance, gratitude just every emotion a person could feel. My heart absolutely broke for Mama losing her beloved daughter & grandchild. No mother or father should have to know what it feels like to bury one of their own children or their grandchild. I have a Love for the Family & people of Congo. Livia Thank you for opening my eyes to such a Beautiful, Amazing group of people. They have a special place in my heart as well as you Livia. Your documentary had me in tears so many times. Not only sad tears but tears of happiness as well. You have a beautiful talent Livia. Keep sharing your beautiful gift with the world Livia & to the Beautiful people of Congo, I pray you all are still living such a wonderful life filled with happiness, love & acceptance ❤❤😢😢

First time that I was so captiveted in a documentary . I've just finished it and want to watch it again. Thank you for you wonderful work Livia und you team 😊😊

This has to be the best human documentary I have ever watched. At the core of our humanity is peace and happiness, which this community knows how to restore as soon as it is destabilised. Livia is absolutely fantastic in the way she becomes part of this wonderful people.

I don’t really watch too many movies. These documentaries are entertaining and informative and keep you interested. Much thanks

Watched the entire docu in one sitting, it was captivating. Thank you Livia and your team. Love mama and Papa and the pygmy community of Bonguida. Much love from Kenya 🇰🇪 PS: I come from a Kenyan Bantu tribe that has its roots in the Congo 😮

Thank you for showing us this documentary 😁! Taking us with you on your journey such a beautiful place 🌹💞 I am grateful🎉 .

THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!!! Your work is awesome! I was so caught up in the entire family/village and everyone was able to get a good cry out of me!!! Thank you so much for sharing this and I truly hope the new road does NOT ruin the last of the Hunter Gatherer groups.

Masterpiece, goor work clear editing.. thumbs up 👍🏾

Enjoyed this episode loved the drama . Mama and her family needs a reality show.😅

Awesome Documentary!!!! Well done!!

Admittedly, I saw how long this was and I was like I’m not watching this. I am so glad I did! Wonderful documentary and many thanks for showing/introducing this to us!

amazing part of life ! This is the most authentic and incredible , beautiful documentary seen in my life ! This MUST be promoted on National Geographic documentaries 🎉

How courageous Livia! I'm wondering how you kept from getting sick? Not being used to the jungle, that environment, and food.

One of the best documentary, btw when was this originally shot? I need to see more of Livia Simoka`s documentaries 😊

What an impressing documentary! Don‘t stop, your so great in how you handle that. Big respect!!

So beautiful to watch and show what in life really matters. The western world gets so caught up with stuff with forget to love and care like they do. The Bantu perfect example of the harshness when you get so called civilized only valuing monetary. That road will break that love and desire for just the essential and innocence of kids. But it will open them to health hospitals and education. But western education not needed if they want to continue their ancestry. As then it will eventually dissolve this beautiful co existence with god and earth.

Your masambo was so brave! I teared up! Thank you for thus beautiful film

any other documentaries from Livia...i really loved this one😅

the best documentary i have ever seen ... soooo beautiful

This kind of experience is live changing. Those who have gone through this kind of experience will look at live from totally different anglers and surely appreciate and feel great full. Full respect to her. Only a handful of people can do it.

Such a wonderful documentary! ❤❤❤❤❤

I haven't finished the documentary but I'm already intrigued

Loved every second of this video. Thank you very much to all who participated in bringing this video to life.

I loved everything about this documentary. New subscriber here!

One of my fav. Documentary channel watching from Philippines ❤❤

Much love from Romania! wonderful person among wonderful people!

You did a fantastic video enjoyed every minute thank you.

Thank you ever so much for spending such a long time residing there while preparing this documentary,,,, For those who don't realize how difficult it is for a city girl to adapt to such a sociological change and live in such a new environment,,, that must have been an awarding task,,,,,, this episode in comparison made me realize all societal trends stem from man's natural nature while all tenets of Human Relationship finally enjoin in raw form ,,,,, I was sad and kinda tearful towards the end

THIS WAS THE MOST INCREDIBLE THING IVE WATCHED!!!! LITERALLY WATCHED THE ENTIRE THING!!! ❤️

This was a phenomenal documentary.

Love this channel

loved every moment of it. thank you.

One of the best documentaries I've seen in my life!!!!

Excellent documentary

I love this documentary, and I love watching you! You have a great personality and are so beautiful! This is my 1st time watching this channel amd I am so intrigued to see more videos.

This is by far the best documentary i have watched.i have clearly understood their way of life, personality and was entertained the whole time.Good job

Love your work your work is genuine straight from your heart. i enjoy your video good job well done.

I love this lady’s spirit, she’s so genuine, relatable and humble ❤️…

This one is just really really well done.

The best documentary I have watched, great filming. Well documentary,I love it. The community is really kind and friendly. I wish the community good things in the future

What an amazing experience. I hope they are all doing well.

Day in day out this village is never quite….chaiiii

Livia, that was awesome!! Thank you

Love this documentary. Would like to see a reunion when the road is built😊

What a beautiful piece of Art

So good, I loved it! Thank you Mama

wow, just wow, well done and i truly wish all the best wishes to the people of bonguinda

Amazing work, thank you ❤ i hope they can one day prosper and maintain their traditions and spirit 🌍

I really enjoyed this film, beautiful and yes, the best way to get to know a culture is to live that culture, thank you

Superb documentary !!!!!

Great documentary!! Really enjoyed it. I think Ill watch more female documentary makers! I like how she covered all angles of family life! Great job😊 I loved the part where she asked them to shut up so she could sleep. That still has me laughing😂

Is there a 2024 update about the community and there tribes or is this a new documentary? I think its Very interesting to learn about the world

@gsssprocket

Ай бұрын

yes, please

This was a really great documentary. Very interesting ❤

Wonderful documentary