Félicité

Winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlinale, this is a music-infused drama about a proud and spirited woman working as a singer in Kinshasa.

"The eponymous Félicité (Véro Tshanda Beya) sings at a dingy bar but has a voice and a spirit that transcends the setting. When her son is injured in an accident, Félicité faces a race against the clock, trying to raise enough money to save him. It's here that the film takes a surprising turn and explores Félicité's burgeoning romance with Tabu (Papi Mpaka), a frequent drinker at the bar where she sings. A vivid portrait of the Congolese capital is created through beautiful music, ranging from traditional to African rock to a Kinshasa symphonic orchestra playing Arvo Pärt. It's a tough, chaotic city, but one with strong, resilient people like Félicité. Confounding expectations of African cinema, Gomis has made a film filled with music, magic and hope." (Sydney Film Festival)

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