The Teeth Sharpening Tribe of the Congo | Inside the Mbendjele | Free Documentary

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.

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!!

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!

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

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 ❤️ 🙏

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

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

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.

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

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 ❤❤❤

By far the best documentary I’ve ever watched!

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

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.

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. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

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

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!