Set in Kinshasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Felicite follows the story of a vivacious independent singer, Félicité, as she carves out a life for herself and her son in a precarious and hostile environment.
Moments of visual and musical poetry occur in scenes in which the Symphonic Orchestra of Kinshasa performs in an old warehouse space. These moments, filmed in dreamlike blue, are contrasted with the white hot daytime scenes in which Félicité struggles to navigate the harsh urban jungle of Kinshasa, a city in which safe and harmonious living seems almost unattainable.
As a struggling bar singer, Félicité’s backing band is played by the real-life Kasai Allstars, the city’s most famous musical outfit. Through music, friendship and love, the narrative weaves a breathtaking depiction of hope, sensuality and song.
French/Senegalese director Alain Gomis further cements his reputation as one of the most talented contemporary African filmmakers in this highly acclaimed film, honoured with the Golden Stallion at the FESPACO film festival in Burkina Faso as well as the Silver Bear at Berlinale.
Thank you to Africa in Motion Film Festival for curating this title for our Film Directory.
