The Democratic Republic of Congo can look forward to the first screening of “Augure”, the first Congolese fiction feature film presented at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Baloji, this film, awarded the “New Voice 2023” prize in the “Un certain regard” category, highlights the beauty and complexity of the DRC while celebrating its people and their resilience.
Depicting a family drama against a backdrop of witchcraft and beliefs, “Augure” also underlines the importance of history and culture in the formation of Congolese identity. By showing four characters considered sorcerers and witches, the film traces the story of these victims of a phantasmagoric Africa, tirelessly seeking to escape their assignment.
The Congolese director, Baloji, is particularly proud to present his film to his country of origin. He signs here a singular feature film, shot mainly with a technical team and Congolese actors. Originally a protean artist, Baloji is a filmmaker, musician and photographer born in Lubumbashi. His work goes beyond the boundaries of art, taking a sensitive look at dreamlike worlds and magical realism.
After having met with spectacular success at the Cannes festival, “Augure” will be screened in Kinshasa, where the artistic and production teams also wish to participate in the work of reflection undertaken by the players in the sector and the national institutions with a view to a structure of the cinema sector.
This screening is an opportunity for the Congolese to discover the cinematographic richness of the country as well as local and national collaborators. The screening will take place on June 22, 2013 at the Center Wallonie Bruxelles in Kinshasa, on June 23 at 7:00 p.m. at the French Institute in Kinshasa, and finally on June 24, in the atmosphere of the Pullman Hotel, by invitation.
In short, “Augure” remains a film not to be missed. Unique in its genre, it strives to describe the Congolese identity through the beauty and complexity of its culture, as well as the resilience of its people. The screening of this film in Kinshasa is an opportunity for moviegoers to discover promising Congolese talent and reaffirm African cultural richness.