Sixth Annual Congo In Harlem Film And Event Series

Che

Che Guevara in Congo in the 1960s

October 16th – 26th, 2014

Maysles Cinema, 343 Malcolm X Blvd, NY, NY 10027

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 communityʼs 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 – itʼs an opportunity to discover Congolese food, music, and artwork, learn about Congoʼs challenges, and get involved.

Highlights of this yearʼs 6th edition of Congo in Harlem include:

o “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 Journalismʼs Brown Institute for Media Innovation.

Participating panelists include Mélanie Gouby (Virunga), Sekombi Katondolo (Mutaani FM) and Magalie Laguerre-Wilkinson (CBSʼs 60 Minutes).

o “Sister Oyo,” acclaimed Congolese director Monique Mbeka Phobaʼs first foray into historical fiction. Set in the 1950s in Bas-Congo, the film chronicles a Congolese schoolgirlʼs struggles at a French Catholic School. Monique Mbeka Phoba will be in attendance to present the film.

o 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 Muhammed Ali and George Foremanʼs showdown in Kinshasa, and Albert Maysles will be in attendance to share his experience.

o Orlando von Einseidelʼs critically acclaimed documentary, “Virunga,” which tells the story of those who risk their lives to save Africaʼs oldest national park amid armed conflict and the scramble for the regionʼs natural resources. Journalist Mélanie Gouby and other special guests from the film will be in attendance.

o “Peace and Stability in the DRC: The 2016 Elections and Congoʼs Constitution,” a panel discussion addressing the expiration of Joseph Kabilaʼs 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.

o Rising star Dieudo Hamadiʼs Examen DʼEtat (National Diploma), a stunning cinema vérité portrait of a group of high school students facing their graduate exams and an uncertain future.

o Linda Vastrikʼs Forest of the Dancing Spirits, an intimate and expansive portrait of life among the Baka people, a hunter-gatherer community whose coexistence with the forest is threatened by the state forestry company.

o AfriqʼAnimʼAction, 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.

o Cuban director Jorges Fuentesʼ Tatu: Che in Congo, a rarely screened account of Che Guevaraʼs tour of duty in Congo through the memories of those who knew him. Followed by Q&A with special guests.

o “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! Visiting filmmakers, panelists and other artists will be available for press meetings throughout the series. For hi-res images, advance film screeners and all other press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

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 National Endowment for the Arts.

Maysles Cinema is located at 343 Malcolm X Blvd, between 127th and 128th Streets Screenings are open to the public at a suggested donation of $10
For more information visit: www.CongoinHarlem.org

 

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