Country:Congo

Director:Mesmer Rufin Mbou Mikima

Program:African Panorama

Summary:

Although common law is not recognized in Congolese law, it is still firmly rooted in all strata of society. The population adheres to the procedures that are governed by rituals and were passed on from one generation to the next. The modern, official courts of justice have no choice but to grin and bear it. The judges in the common law courts might look like their more official counterparts, but in reality they are unschooled and donate their services voluntarily. The film depicts a number of cases in which emotionally sensitive family disputes are settled in common law court.

Country:Congo

Director:Zeka Laplaine

Summary:

Zeka Laplaine’s strongest work is a burlesque parallel workout that combines edgy African urbanism with a silent Chaplin comedy. “I am very drawn to comedy, even for serious subjects, like in Le Clandestin. I don't think you get the message over any better if you dress the film up to be really didactic!

Country:Congo

Director:Jean Michel Kibushi

Summary:

Jean Michel Kibushi has distinguished himself as one of the most outstanding animators to come out of Africa. The very early work made in Congo already indicates his imagination and daring. This film was made during a children’s workshop and was conceived as an homage to the griot musician Djamba Shongo Yodi who was killed by the Congolese military in the course of the bloody events that occured in Kinshasa in September 1991. The film is made in a very elemental manner with simple line drawings that appear like reporter’s dispatches of late breaking news on the streets of Kinshasa.