Central African Republic / France / Congo, Democratic Republic of the / Qatar 2022, 83 min, French and Sango, Hebrew & English subtitles

Nestor, Benjamin, Aaron, and Rafiki are economics undergraduates. In a classroom—really just a shack—at the University of Bangui in the Central African Republic, they are learning all the right theories. But how can they secure a brighter future for themselves and their country when their lives are full of struggles against convoluted, corrupt mechanisms and rigid family traditions? Unable to make a living, they resort to foraging. A date that resulted in pregnancy leads to a courtroom and then to church, where a blessing is given and a goat sacrificed. Sexual harassment by lecturers is routine, and suggestions that bribes are the way to pass exams are thrown callously. In the midst of all this, the four students (the filmmaker and his three close friends) turn to each other for strength, comfort, advice, warmth, and laughter.

Previous Festivals: Berlinale

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Screening Schedule:
  • Mon 30.05 | 16:45 | Cinematheque 4
  • Fri 03.06 | 14:30 | Cinematheque 2
  • Watch Online | The film will be available From May 26th until June 5th

Born on November the 17th, 1997 in Uvira, Kivu (DRC), of Congolese parents, Fariala Alolea Albert (aka Rafiki Fariala) arrived early in the Central African Republic, where his parents took refuge because of the war. He studied at Padre Pio Catholic School (2006-2009), at the seminary Enfant Jésus des Pères Carmes Déchaux (2010-2013), then at Lycée d’Application de l’École normale Supérieure de Bangui (2013-2016), where he received his Baccalauréat.
At the seminary, he directs the choir and develops his voice. Later, he falls in love with the music of Makoma, a religious group. Entirely self- taught, he starts composing music.
In 2013, under the pseudonym RAFIKI - RH20, he records his first piece Why war? which becomes a hit. From then on, he composes many other songs and becomes one of the promising figures of Bangui’s musical scene.
In 2017, he is selected among 150 candidates to take part in the documentary workshop organised in Bangui by Ateliers Varan. At the end of the workshop, he directs his first film, Mbi na Mo (You and Me). The film is selected at the Lausanne, Montréal, St Denis and Lille festivals, and at the Biarritz FIPADOC.

Production: Boris Lojkine, Daniele Incalcaterra, Elvis Sabin Ngaïbino
Editing: Xavier Sirven, Christian Moïse Nzengue
Cinematography: Rafiki Fariala
Sound Design: Anne-Bertille Ndeysseit Vopiande, Marc-Olivier Brullé, Paul Jousselin

Source: The Party Film Sales