In January 2015, Congo erupted in demonstrations when President Joseph Kabila sought a constitutional amendment to extend his leadership for a third term. Kinshasa Makambo documents this tenuous moment, still unfolding in current politics, through the stories of three members of the resistance. There is Ben, who lives in exile in New York, follows the advice of his countrymen and returns to Congo to join the struggle; Jean Marie, who has just been released from prison, and continues to speak out despite threats from the secret service; and Christian, who fights in the streets of Kinshasa, even after the death of opposition leader Etienne Tshisekedi dashes hopes for a viable candidate.

Should one resist in exile, or fight on the ground in the Congo? Should resistance be non-violent or should force be used if required? Filmed with a handheld camera that stays very close to the protagonists, even in precarious conditions, Dieudo Hamadi explores these questions, capturing a critical moment in the future of Congo.

Followed by panel discussion and Opening Night reception

In 1965 Che Guevara undertook a secret mission to DR Congo to support the liberation movement. Fifty years later, Che in Congo takes viewers on an epic journey to Belgium, Cuba, Tanzania, and eastern Congo in search of those who fought alongside and against this global icon. There is the Belgian mercenary, who looks back on his years fighting in Congo as the “best of his life”, and also the Cuban generals and Congolese soldiers, who share their personal memories of Che. These recollections, paired with archival footage, are strikingly juxtaposed with present day encounters, offering clues for Congo's future amid its storied past.

Post-screening Q&A with filmmaker Ben Crowe and other special guests

Zongo: a Kikongo word meaning Power. Zongo Dance is a new style comprised of ancient healing movements founded and created by Rehema Nkisi and Shaleena Capers. We have a unified vision of positively impacting the lives of millions of people by offering more than just dance or fitness but a culturally rich way to reclaim health and wellbeing while reconnecting with our essential core, The Kongo. Zongo style is based in Kongolese dance combined with other healing movements designed to invigorate the whole body, mind and soul. Deriving from the Center of Africa and spiraling from the core/center of the body, Zongo is low impact, sensual-yet powerful, strengthening and full of fun. Joy is the impact that Zongo will have on women, men and youth.

We will start with Zongo, a healing dance movement style. We will sing then review Congo history, culture and current affairs, then commence with traditional Kongolese Dance and drumming.

“I see music in colors”. Multi-talented rapper-singer-artist Baloji, whose upbringing spans continents and cultures, shares a selection of his music videos and short films. Among the selections are his debut fictional short, Kaniama Show, a blistering satire of African television propaganda, and his eponymous music video, Peau de Chagrin/Bleu de Nuit, a collaboration with South African photographer Kristin-Lee Moolman that explores indigenous Congolese wedding traditions in a panoply of color.

Post-screening Q&A w/ Baloji + Closing Night reception