** European film Festival in Kinshasa: a cultural bridge in a context of resilience **
Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is preparing to welcome two evenings of film screenings in the commune of Ndjili on May 18 and 23, 2025. Organized by the Mwindeurs Cultural House in collaboration with community actors, these projections aims to strengthen cultural mediation through the 9th edition of the European Film Festival.
Malafi Niamba, the initiator of the Mwindeur Cultural House, stresses that these events are part of a popular education approach. They aim to promote civic culture and to value stories that reflect both African and European realities. By choosing films such as “Tongo Makambo” and “Lumumba”, the organizers seek to arouse enriching dialogues around essential themes such as love, justice, migration, commitment and resilience.
### An educational and community context
The initiative to project films in Ndjili is particularly significant in a country where education and access to culture remain crucial issues. Cinematographic projections can be seen as a vector for reflection that invites young people to question their identity, their future and the socio -political dynamics that surround them. In a context where Kinshasa young people face many challenges, these events can offer a space for meeting and exchange, essential for the development of critical thinking.
The selected films, by their diversity of styles and stories, make it possible to approach multiple realities. “Lumumba”, for example, exploits a key period in Congolese history, while “Tongo Makambo” addresses contemporary issues. By highlighting these different perspectives, projections strengthen mutual understanding between cultures and open a dialogue on past and present injustices.
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However, the realization of such events is not without challenges. In a country where culture is often faced with difficulties in financing and institutional support, it is legitimate to wonder how to guarantee the sustainability of these cultural initiatives. A question also arises: how to engage more local communities not only as spectators, but also as actresses of this cultural mediation?
The risk of isolated shows is also to be considered. Although these projections are announced as moments of exchange and sharing, it is essential to explore how these events can exceed the framework of projection evenings. How to encourage monitoring or continuity in the discussions they arouse?
### towards a cultural interconnection
The interest in universal themes such as justice and commitment echoes the quest for meaning in a changing society. Cinema, a true mirror of realities, can serve as a springboard towards a better lit collective consciousness. In this sense, these projections have the potential to promote a sustainable community commitment.
The European Film Festival, by supporting such initiatives, demonstrates a desire to integrate culture at the heart of international exchanges. It is an opportunity to forge links between Europe and Africa, but above all to strengthen local capacities through exchange and education. In this sense, the question remains: how to maintain this momentum and guarantee a lasting impact in the community of Ndjili and beyond?
### Conclusion
While the projections of the films “Tongo Makambo”, “Lumumba” and other works are closer, attention turns to the potential that these events have to offer to young people in Kinshasa. They are not only a vector of education and awareness, but also a cultural exchange platform. At a time when the DRC seeks to build a more inclusive future and aware of its realities, it is essential to support these initiatives by collective reflections and concrete actions, thus guaranteeing lasting access to culture for all. Collaboration with local communities will be decisive to transform these cinematographic projections into real moments of sharing and transformation.