Skip to main content

Deep Dive: Enjoy Poverty (2009)

Play Trailer

Film Lens

Enjoy Poverty
In 'Enjoy Poverty,' Renzo Martens examines the Democratic Republic of the Congo, focusing on the economic and emotional aspects of poverty as a commodity. Over three years, he collaborates with local communities to emphasize that their primary resource is poverty itself. The film critiques how traditional narratives often exploit and misrepresent impoverished populations, questioning who truly owns poverty. Martens aims to empower the impoverished by raising awareness of their potential value in a world that frequently capitalizes on their suffering. The documentary critiques representation and exploitation not only within the art world but also in broader societal contexts, challenging viewers to rethink their perceptions of poverty and ownership.

Why Watch

  • •See how poverty is treated as a commodity.
  • •Meet local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  • •Find out who really owns poverty.

Did You Know

•The film was produced over a span of three years.
•Renzo Martens is the director of the film.
•The film has a duration of 90 minutes.
•It was produced in two countries: the Netherlands and Belgium.

Perfect For

Art and representationEconomic exploitationCongo studies