Name: Makala
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2018-08-24
Duration: 1 h 36 min
Rating: 7.6
Cast: Kabwita Kasongo, Lydie Kasongo

Determination to Build a Better Life in the Congo

This extremely quiet and methodically paced documentary, directed by Emmanuel Gras, will probably appeal to only the most patient of cinephiles.

It focuses on a 28-year-old Congolese man Kabwita Kasongo, who lives in a rural and remote area of the country. We will follow him as he laboriously chops down a large tree with an axe and prepares an oven where he will make charcoal (makala in Swahili), in the hopes of taking it to the city to make enough money to begin building a home for his family.

The exhausting and dangerous 50 kilometer trek from Kabwita's hometown of Walemba to the urban market is done with him pushing a hugely overloaded bicycle over often difficult terrain. Once there, he will have to contend with possible buyers looking for discounts and bargains. Kabwita will often have to rely on his faith in God to get him through his travails.

Overall, the stark realities of a man trying for a better life for himself and his family through extremely hard work is the centerpiece here. I read in one pro critic review that Gras helped Kabwita and his family achieve some of his life's goals, so that's a positive.

The documentary is a form of non-fiction storytelling that aims to present factual information, insights, and perspectives on real-world subjects, events, issues, or people. Documentaries can cover a wide range of topics, including history, science, culture, social issues, nature, biographies, and more.

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Trials tribulation dreams and aspirations of a young farmer earning a living making and selling charcoal in Congo.

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Makala

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