Days after shooting of Congo national park director, ‘Virunga’ documentary premiers at Tribeca

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Days after the director of Africa’s oldest national park was shot by gunmen, a documentary about those who protect Virunga National Park from armed poachers and encroaching oil interests premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival.

The debut Thursday night of “Virunga,” named after the eastern Congo park, followed the shooting Tuesday of Emmanuel de Merode, the chief warden of the park. He is in serious but stable condition after being attacked by three gunmen while driving through the park.

De Merode appears extensively in the documentary, a striking portrait of the violent interests surrounding the majestic park and its dauntless defenders.

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