English summary

‘Félicité may be the kind of film you remember for the rest of your life.’

The proud, boisterous single Mother named Félicité sings in a bar in the Congolese capital of  Kinshasa. Her life takes a messy turn when her 14-year-old son becomes the victim of a motorcycle accident. In order to save him, she begins a feverish search for the money needed for his operation. We follow Félicité through the streets of Kinshasa, a lively, stunning city full of music and dreams. The story unfolds to the music of the world-famous band ‘Kasai Allstars’.

Director Gomis alternates between scenes of the raw, realistic Congolese street and warm, dynamic, driving music. When Félicité sings, with an incredible voice and penetrating charisma, she is no longer burdened. In dreamy, more spiritual scenes, we see her roaming through the dark night of the urban jungle.

Félicité was awarded the Silver Bear (Grand Jury Prize) early this year during the Berlin Film Festival, with praise for balance in its screenplay and the enthusiasm and passion of the entire cast.