"Virunga," set for release on Netflix on Friday, shows Conga's struggles to defend against the threat to their country's natural resources and the animals that live in its forests, Reuters reported.
Orlando von Einsiedel arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2012 to film a feature on the Virunga National Park and its plans for tourism and economic development. Upon his arrival however, the British filmmaker found himself caught in the middle of a civil war.
"I saw the story as a metaphor for the rebirth of the entire region," he said. "Within a week, it was a full-on civil war. And then I learned about the park's very serious concerns about this illegal oil exploration, so the story U-turned really quickly."
"Virunga" documents the civilian unrest in Conga as the country's conservationists and park rangers risk their lives against poachers to protect the world's last remaining mountain gorillas that live in the country's forests.
It also chronicles the story of the oil exploration plans of the London-based oil company, SOCO International, which threatens the country's resources.
Director von Einsiedel interviewed people living in the crossfire in Virunga, followed as they tracked down poachers, and found out the SOCO company's intentions with the help of French journalist Melanie Gouby who went undercover for the mission, according to The Los Angeles Times.
The documentary also features Rodrigue Mugaruka, a park warden who also went undercover to expose corruption and planning against helping the locals; Andre Bauma, a park ranger who takes care of orphaned mountain gorillas; and the director of Virunga National Park, Belgian Prince Emmanuel de Merode, who fights against mining for oil in the country which is potentially destroying the region's wildlife.
"There's a famous phrase in Congo, that it's the world's richest country with the poorest people, with foreign forces taking stuff and the result being bad for Congolese people," von Einsiedel said.
The story has gained the interest of celebrities, such as actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio, who signed on as executive producer of the film. "Avengers" star Mark Ruffalo, who is known for being vocal on conservation issues and campaigning against hydraulic fracking, has also shared his support.
"Virunga" has been submitted for Oscar contention and will be available for viewing on Netflix on Friday.