Congo boy
trailer
Country, year
Central African Republic, DR Kongo, France, Italy, 2026
genre
feature film
run time
90′
director
Rafiki Fariala
languages
Sango, French, Lingala, Swahili
subtitles
Slovenian subtitles
synopsis
17-year-old Robert lives in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic, where gun shots in the streets are mixed with fear, music and hope. When his parents are imprisoned because their irregular immigration status, Robert is left to case for his younger siblings. Next to school and exams, he is also burdened by getting occasional work. Despite all the worry, his face is light up by his love for music which gives him hope of a better life. Congo Boy is not only his rapper moniker, but also a reflection of who he is – a young boy proud of his heritage. This musical drama was inspired by the life of director Rafiki Fariala, who also composed all the songs Robert performs in the film.
“I am a Congolese refugee and came to the Central African Republic as a child. Congo Boy is a fictionalized version of his own life. Everything that happens in the film happened to me.”
– Rafiki Fariala
“Congo Boy is a musical drama that brings along a warmth and fills the viewer with hope. The story is vivid, realistic and spirited, as are the characters.”
– Alica Zelnik, member of the Kinotrip film club 11th generation
