Heart of Africa

Though I was involved in parts of this film, I did not see it until it had a rough cut. I was astounded by the excellent acting and the resourcefulness of the film team. This movie FEELS like Africa. The director, Tshoper Kabambi, has taken trouble to be sure that every scene is grounded in the setting. We never forget that we are in the Congo--and we love it!

I have been immersed in Africa for the past 4 years with multiple visits to my native friends there. This film was beautiful and refreshing for me to watch. It is completely from the perspective of a native Congolese man and his friends and family. This is not Hollywood's view/version of the DR-Congo. Also, this film employed the talents of the locals, completely new to the industry. This team did incredibly well for a first time full-length feature film.

Side note: I gave it 9/10 stars because I felt the soundtrack could have used a little more depth. I am a professionally trained musician so I naturally listen for the soundtrack. There were some parts that could have used more musical support. Though if staying true to the story of the DR-Congo, then not having typical western orchestral accompaniment is a no-brainer. However, this also limits the ability to give the usual musical support in certain scenes. Interesting dilemma to navigate.

Though as mentioned before, really a monumental first-time film for a DR-Congo team. Beautifully told and depicted. Definitely a must-see independent film.

Going into this film you need to realize the context of the production in order to really get the best experience from it. This film was made in the Congo, and had a Congolese cast and crew: DP, editor, director, etc. This is a monumentally huge film as it is one of the first ever made by the Congo and not by Americans putting their perspective on what the Congo is, in fact it might be the very first. Yes the writer, an actor, and most of the producers were American, but they put the control in the hands of Tshoper, who made the script his own and made this film. This is very much not American cinema. The film has some technical imperfections, but considering how it was made, and with the heart that it was made with, and by whom, this film is profound and informative. Definitely something to watch in order to expand your horizon, and understand more of what people have faced in the Congo. The Congo needs a voice. Will you listen?

Having seen Heart of Africa at a festival (had some technical deficiencies, of course) and in the final release, I can say it now competes with the best of them and does so beautifully. It's not meant to be like anything you've seen. It was shot completely in the DRC with the intent of showing the country for what it presently is. The filmmakers set out to create their own brand of cinema in a country that hasn't had it in decades. The rawness and authenticity, coupled with it being based on a real person makes for an exquisite 90 minutes of entertainment. In between the light romance and heavy family feuds are some deep lessons about self worth, forgiveness, acceptance and more. I highly recommend this film to anyone who can use some more cultural intelligence and nice evening of the feels.

There were parts of the movie that I felt were inaccurate and didn't make sense.