MOVIE REVIEW
Tongo Taa (Rising Up at Night)
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 35m
Director(s): Nelson Makengo
Where To Watch: international premiere at the 2024 Visions du Réel – International Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: TONGO SAA sees director Nelson Makengo navigate the complex web of Kinshasa's (Capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) frequent power outages, crafting a story that goes beyond mere darkness to illuminate the invincible spirit of its people. This is not just a film about a city and its fight against blackouts; it's a profound look at the human will to thrive under challenging conditions.

In TONGO SAA, Makengo transports us to this city, where the absence of reliable electricity shapes every facet of life. The documentary focuses on individuals like Kudi, a local leader whose transformation into Santa Claus during the holiday season, symbolizes the light he brings to his community amidst their daily struggles. This vivid portrayal of festive spirit against a backdrop of hardship captures the essence of the city’s enduring vibrancy.

The narrative of resilience is paralleled by the story of Davido, a young man disrupted by the flooding of the Congo River. His commitment to maintaining his positivity in adversity weaves another layer into the complex portrait of Kinshasa. Meanwhile, the spiritual resilience of the community is portrayed through scenes at Mount Mangengenge, where Pastor Gédéon’s sermons offer solace that transcends the physical shortcomings of the city’s infrastructure.

Drawing on his experiences with unreliable power, Marengo revisits and expands on themes from his earlier acclaimed short, "Nuit Debout." The transition to a feature-length format allows Makengo to delve deeper into Kinshasa’s inhabitants' challenges, caught in a limbo between darkness and the quest for normalcy in a modern era.

The director’s minimalist lighting techniques effectively portray the literal darkness enveloping Kinshasa, challenging traditional filmmaking norms and reflecting the city's constant flux. This strategy and an innovative sound design enhance the documentary's disorienting yet immersive atmosphere.

The film does not overlook the irony of Kinshasa's plight—a city encircled by vast hydroelectric capabilities yet suffering from persistent power shortages. This stark contrast between potential and reality is a poignant backdrop to the community's relentless struggle against a flawed infrastructure.

The women of Kinshasa are depicted as crucial figures in this narrative, spearheading efforts to overcome these challenges. Their leadership in mobilizing the community for electrical restoration underscores their pivotal role in fostering social cohesion and highlights the film’s collective empowerment and resilience theme.

As TONGO SAA unfolds, Kinshasa transforms from merely a setting to an active participant in its saga. The film reaches a crescendo during a New Year’s celebration, capturing the residents' aspirations and dreams. This powerful culmination signals a communal hope for a brighter future and elevates the documentary to a compelling commentary on human endurance.

Nelson Makengo’s TONGO SAA is more than just a window into the trials and triumphs of the people of Kinshasa; it is a celebration of their unbreakable spirit in the face of literal and metaphorical darkness. This documentary is essential viewing for anyone who values real-life tales of challenge, community, and the extraordinary resilience of the human spirit.

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[photo courtesy of SQUARE EYES, TWENTY NINE STUDIO & PRODUCTION, MUTOTU PRODUCTIONS]

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