Congo in Harlem is a week-long showcase of films, exhibits, parties and special events focused on the
history, politics, and culture of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The goal of the series is to deepen
our community’s understanding of DR Congo through art and dialogue. Each year, we strive to present
a diverse program that encourages audiences to think critically and challenge their assumptions. But
we also want people to have fun! Congo in Harlem is more than just movies and discussions – it’s an
opportunity to discover Congolese food, music, and artwork, learn about Congo’s challenges, and get
involved.
Highlights of this year’s 6th edition of Congo in Harlem include:
– Covering Congo, a special panel discussion on the current state of journalism in the
Democratic Republic of Congo, held in conjunction with the Columbia University School of
Journalism’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation. Participating panelists include Mélanie
Gouby (Virunga), Sekombi Katondolo (Mutaani FM) and Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson
(CBS’s 60 Minutes).
– Sister Oyo, acclaimed Congolese director Monique Mbeka Phoba’s first foray into historical
fiction. Set in the 1950s in Bas-Congo, the film chronicles a Congolese schoolgirl’s struggles at
a French Catholic School. Monique Mbeka Phoba will be in attendance to present the film.
– A presentation of rarely screened footage from the archive of Albert Maysles, filmed at the
legendary “Rumble in the Jungle”. This year marks the 40th anniversary of Mohammed Ali and
George Foreman’s showdown in Kinshasa, and Albert Maysles will be in attendance to share
his experience.
– Orlando von Einseidel’s critically acclaimed documentary, Virunga, which tells the story of those
who risk their lives to save Africa’s oldest national park amid armed conflict and the scramble for
the region’s natural resources. Journalist Mélanie Gouby and other special guests from the film
will be in attendance.
– Peace and Stability in the DRC: The 2016 Elections and Congo’s Constitution, a panel
discussion addressing the expiration of Joseph Kabila’s second term, and the possibility that his
political party might change the constitution to enable him to run for a third. The discussion will
be moderated by writer/blogger Jason Stearns.
– Rising star Dieudo Hamadi’s Examen D’Etat (National Diploma), a stunning cinema vérité
portrait of a group of high school students facing their graduate exams and an uncertain future.
o Linda Vastrik’s Forest of the Dancing Spirits, an intimate and expansive portrait of life among
the Baka pygmies, a hunter-gatherer community whose coexistence with the forest is
threatened by the state forestry company.
– Afriq’Anim’Action, a showcase of 8 animated short films created by student filmmakers from
DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Congo-Brazzaville, under the supervision of legendary
Congolese filmmaker/animator Jean Michel Kibushi.
– Cuban director Jorges Fuentes’ Tatu: Che in Congo, a rarely screened account of Che
Guevara’s tour of duty in Congo through the memories of those who knew him. Followed by
Q&A with special guests.
– Photos from Kinshasa, taken in the 1950s and 60s by street photographer Jean Depara,
presented by the Pigozzi Contemporary African Art Collection.
Film information and preliminary schedule are available at www.CongoinHarlem.org
More screenings, events and special guests will be added in the coming weeks!
Congo in Harlem is a non-profit series produced by Maysles Cinema, Friends of the Congo,
and True-Walker Productions. It is made possible by generous support from the
Maysles Cinema is located at 343 Malcolm X Blvd, between 127th and 128th Streets
National Endowment for the Arts.
Screenings are open to the public at a suggested donation of $10
For more information visit: www.CongoinHarlem.org
