Congo in Harlem 4 is the fourth annual series of Congo-related films and events at the Maysles Cinema in New Yorkʼs historic Harlem neighborhood. Congo in Harlem showcases innovative work that celebrates Congolese culture, raises awareness about the Democratic Republic of Congoʼs challenges, provokes dialogue, and encourages community engagement.
This yearʼs series highlights a wide selection of films by Congolese and international directors, ranging from political exposés to personal journeys, historical inquiries, artistic provocations,and groundbreaking animation.
Highlights of Congo in Harlem 4 include a retrospective of the work of pioneering Congolese animator Jean Michel Kibushi; the much buzzed-about Episode III: Enjoy Poverty, followedby a post-screening discussion with filmmaker Renzo Martens; Cuba: An African Odyssey, with director Jihan El-Tahri in attendance; Thierry Michelʼs The Chebeya Affair: A State Crime?; a sneak peak at Kinshasa native Dieudonne Hamadiʼs Atalaku, a hard-hitting exposé of Congoʼs 2011 elections; White Elephant, Kristof Bilsonʼs elegant study of the crumbling central post office in Kinshasa; a pair of deeply personal journeys into the past (Return to Mandima and In the Footsteps of My Other); a bold exploration of corruption and impunity (Justice for Sale); and two cautionary tales of colonial racism (Ota Benga and BomaTurvuren: The Voyage). Many screenings will be followed by discussions with the filmmakers, musical performances, and receptions. Please check our websites in the coming weeks for updates: www.MayslesInstitute.org & www.CongoInHarlem.org.
In addition to the films, Congo in Harlem 4 will present a special off-site panel discussion at the New York Society for Ethical Culture — KONY 2012: Lessons for Congo — that explores the implications of Invisible Childrenʼs KONY 2012 video campaign for DR Congo. There willalso be live musical performances by Congolese rapper Alesh, and New Yorkʼs own Isaac Katalay. The Maysles Cinema lobby and community space will showcase artwork by Gomaʼs Justin Kasereka, and digital photographs by TIME Magazine photographer Michael Christopher Brown.
Congo in Harlem 4 is a volunteer-run, non-profit series produced by Maysles Cinema, True-Walker Productions, and Friends of the Congo. It is made possible by the generous support of DISH Africa TV, The Cultures of Resistance Network, V-Day, and Panzi Foundation USA.
Proceeds from Congo in Harlem will be contributed to a fund supporting emerging Congolese filmmakers.
Series Partners and Friends: Cinereach, Congo Leadership Initiative, Cultures of Resistance, DISH Africa TV, Elokomasi, HEAL Africa, Man-Up, Mutaani FM, The New York African Film Festival, New York Film/Video Council, NomadicWax, Now AfriCAN, Panzi Foundation USA, Tabilulu Productions, V-DAY, V-DAY-Harlem, Womenʼs International League for Peace and Freedom – New York Metro Branch, Yole!Africa, WBAI Radio.
Maysles Cinema is located at 343 Lenox Avenue/Malcolm X Blvd at 127th St. Screenings are open to the public for a suggested donation. Individual ticket: $10; Group tickets: $7.50; Series Pass: $50.
Box office opens 1 hour prior to show time.Seating is limited and available on a first come first served basis. We recommend arriving 30 minutes before eventʼs start time to secure a seat in the main screening room. For advance tickets and full program, visit: www.mayslesinstitute.org or www.congoinharlem.org
Contact: congoinharlem@gmail.com or call (212) 582-6050.
Congo in Harlem 4 is dedicated to the memory of Lyn Lusi and Veronique Tudieshe
