Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a place that four filmmakers want to make a film about. An early question they must answer is how to depict such a unique city’s culture, given there is no film industry to speak of. Complicating matters further, to the Faire-Part’s benefit, is that all four grew up in very different surroundings and having vastly different views of the region. Two of them are black, and assumedly have a relationship with the DR Congo, and the other two are Belgian, the country that Congo was ruled by in the past.

Their exact relationships to the city isn’t explored in any depth, making it difficult to care about their plan to make a film. Faire-Part itself also isn’t long enough, and some scenes are disconnected from the rest of the film. These moments don’t focus on showing the city, but rather seem intent on making a political point more than anything else.

Though political landscape is filled with corruption, and interference from larger countries, this city is a vibrant place. Kinshasa is certainly worthy of a documentary, one whose intent is to highlight the various aspects of culture. In this regard, Faire-Part succeeds as we see many fascinating aspects of society including bold street performances that are hard to imagine on the streets of a Western country – one example being a man (or woman?) covered head to toe in used soda cans and bottles. Faire-Part is a flawed film, but a solid effort that is extremely interesting.

Screens:
Thursday, Apr 25, 5:30 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 4
Friday, Apr 26, 12:00 PM, TIFF Bell Lightbox 4