CONGO BOY
CONGO BOY
A multi-faceted portrait of a refugee’s experience, carried by gentle optimism
Poverty and civil war are part of everyday life in the Central African Republic, including the capital Bangui. In the midst of it all is 17-year-old Robert, who fled Congo with his family and must now care for his four siblings alone. His parents’ imprisonment, upcoming final exams, numerous odd jobs, and the precarious refugee status weigh on him, though he actually dreams of a career as a rap musician. A local music competition finally offers Robert a hard-earned glimmer of hope: despite all odds, he wants to win the grand prize and use the money to get his parents out of prison. Authentic and haunting, CONGO BOY continues its protagonist’s story where others stop telling it. (LGR)
CF/CD/FR/IT 2026. D: Rafiki Fariala. SC: Rafiki Fariala, Tommy Baron. 91 min. Feature film. Original version with English subtitles. Suitable from age 12. Recommended from age 16.
Cinema Tickets for Individuals
SUN, Sept 27 | 8.15 PM | DFF Cinema
Rafiki Fariala
Biography
Rafiki Fariala is a musician and filmmaker. As a child, he and his parents arrived in the Central African Republic as war refugees. He began making music at an early age under the stage name Rafiki – Rh2o. He discovered his love for filmmaking during a documentary film course. In his feature film debut CONGO BOY, Rafiki draws on his own story.
Filmography
2026 CONGO BOY
2022 WE, STUDENTS!
2017 YOU AND ME (Short film)
Production Companies
Makongo Films, Unité, Kiripifilms, Karta Film
World Sales
The Party Film Sales
