Sunday In Brazzaville (Enric Bach and Adria Mones, 2011): Congo

Reviewed by Nathan Chinchilla. Viewed at the Metro Theater, Santa Barbara

Sunday in Brazzaville is a movie that I did not expect what to be about with such a bizarre title to it. I enjoyed this documentary on the hidden culture of the people in Congo. There is so much to their hertitage and race that make the people of the Congo very special. From their clothing style to the music they listen to, this documentary touched deeply on the aspects on how to go and express your culture. The way the directors set out to go and find the people in Brazzaville is spectacular because they were able to find some of the most interesting people in what is known as one of the worst cities in the world.

Beginning with a very odd introduction with the music that was edited and the shots on some very unique views of Brazzaville. The first thing the film states in subtitles is that Brazzaville is considered one of the worst cities to live in because of how terrible the situation is over there with the warfare, poverty, and the destruction of their environment. Despite all the hardship, the people still manage to manifest their culture greatly through music, style, and entertainment. The documentary follows first a champion wrestler that is practices black magic to defeat his opponents and his lifestyle outside of the ring as well. Next, is the music artist who is a rapper in a band that wants to make it big by gaining a record deal and recording an album to  reach his music goals. Last are the most unique of the three is the organization called the SAPE who are a group that started a clothing movement with their fancy and expensive style of attire. Each one of these persons followed throughout the whole movie truly shows what Brazzaville is like and how beautiful their culture still and always will be.

The movie is truly special to watch and with the editing that Bahnes and Mones have done to the film to touch into all three of lives of each unique group of people. Exposing such a different side of what many think of Congo and showing the world that these people prosper when others may say they are doing terrible. The cinematography will allow all to see the different colors of the attires of the SAPE, the lifestyle of a wrestler that only wants to be a champion, and the struggles that artist goes through to simply reach his own dreams. This documentary has gone beyond of what exposing a culture is and has shown instead the true moral fibers of these people. It will leave you with a deep affection for a new group people and wanting to see more of what may become each of the groups portrayed.