Join us this Wednesday, 11 November, at 8:00 pm at Ciné Utopia for a preview screening of Congo Boy.
What’s on the programme? The story of Robert, a Congolese refugee in the Central African Republic who dreams of becoming a musician. A refreshingly vibrant tale that earned its lead actor, Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset, the Best Actor award in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
A LuxFilmFest regular, director Rafiki Fariala presented his documentary Nous, étudiants! (We, Students!) in the Documentary Competition in 2023, before pitching Congo Boy that same year at the 352 MAX session.
The film tackles the subject of exile brilliantly, and for good reason: Robert’s journey echoes the filmmaker’s own. Drawing on his own experience as a refugee, Fariala overturns clichés. His hero is neither a beggar nor a victim, but a young man pursuing his dream in the face of adversity, carried by music and by his family.
A deeply moving, feel-good musical drama not to be missed.
Bangui. Robert is 17 and dreams of a career in music. But he is not like other Central Africans. He is a Congolese refugee. When his parents are arrested, he has to look after his four younger brothers and sisters on his own. He juggles odd jobs with revising for his A-levels, whilst avoiding the militias who are spreading terror throughout the city. One day, he learns that a music competition is being held. Winning becomes his only hope.
About LuxFilmLab :
The first Wednesday of every month, LuxFilmLab – a joint initiative by Luxembourg City Film Festival and Kinepolis – highlights one feature film, chosen in cooperation by LuxFilmFest’s team and the Kinepolis programme team. A member of the Festival programming team introduces the special LuxFilmLab screenings, with the aim of supporting films whose release dates didn’t allow for them to be selected for the Festival itself but whose artistic qualities would very likely have led to their inclusion in the LuxFilmFest line-up.
*LuxFilmFest isn’t involved in the commercial aspects of these screenings. Access to the screenings and ticket prices are set by Kinepolis.
