Congo Boy

Congo Boy

Director: Rafiki Fariala
Country: Central African Republic, France, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Italy

2026 | 91 min. | Sango, French, Lingala, Swahili
Subtitles: German, English

Cast_ Bradley Fiomona, Christy Djomanda Louba, Pétruche Mbomba, Rosiana Kotozia, Gloria Ambacko Screenplay_ Rafiki Fariala, Tommy Baron Camera_ Adrien Lallau Producer_ Boris Lojkine, Elvis Sabin Ngaïbino, Daniele Incalcaterra Rights_ Immer Gute Filme

A career in music! That’s 17-year-old Robert’s dream. However, as a refugee in Central Africa who has to care for his younger siblings and also go to school, the dream seems out of reach.

A strong heart sets the rhythm in this autobiographical musical drama by Congolese director Rafiki Fariala – and refuses to lose the beat for anything or anyone.

17-year-old Robert lives in Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic. He fled the civil war in Congo and dreams of making it as a musician. But since his parents were arrested, he is left to care for his four younger siblings. What’s more, he is also studying to finish high school, working odd jobs and, with his siblings in tow, must constantly avoid the militias who are terrorizing the city. One day, he learns that a prestigious music competition is taking place nearby. Winning becomes his greatest hope. An inspiring debut about finding your own path.

Director

Rafiki Fariala and his parents fled Congo for the Central African Republic when he was a child, seeking refuge because of the war. While studying economics in Bangui, he made the documentary ›We, Students!‹, which screened at the Berlinale in 2022, among other festivals, and won several awards around the world.

Screenings