Congo Boy

Seventeen-year-old Robert (Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset) has serious stage-commanding talent, but life in the Central African Republic city of Bangui gives him little room to dream. Displaced from the Congo by war, he is suddenly left in charge of his four younger siblings when both parents are sent to prison. With the competing pressures of caring for his family and studying for exams, Robert finds escapism and solace in poetry and rap. Based on director Rafiki Fariala’s own life story, Congo Boy captures the bustle of Bangui with warmth and urgency, skilfully placing Robert’s musical ambition against the daily realities of survival. Un Certain Regard Best Actor winner Fiomona Dembeasset brings tremendous authenticity to this tale of resilience, responsibility and restless youth.