Makala
Directed by Emmanuel Gras
Makala
Makala (Swahili for "charcoal"), the new documentary by Emmanuel Gras, is a powerful testament to one man's commitment to his family, and his endurance in working to provide them with a brighter future. Kasongo, a 28-year-old man living in Congo with his wife and daughters, dreams of purchasing a plot of land on which to build his family a home. He sees his opportunity to earn money by selling charcoal, culled from the ashes of a mighty hardwood tree that he has felled and baked in an earthen oven. Loading up the bags of charcoal onto the back of his bicycle, Kasongo sets off on a daunting journey – up steep hills and across treacherous roads – to sell the charcoal at market. Featuring stunning cinematography that finds beauty in this tireless labor, Makala won the 2017 Grand Prize and Golden Eye Special Mention for Best Documentary at International Critics Week in Cannes.
Reviews
“Resonates on a powerful emotional level. The poetic imagery and elegant sound design all contribute to a mesmerizing, lyrical descent into this cycle of survival, which ultimately embodies a universal struggle. A riveting adventure. One of this summer’s must-sees.”
“Edifying. A labor of love about back-breaking labor.”
“Intimate, rewarding. An appreciation of the need for perseverance and endurance in the face of considerable despair.”
“Evocative. Embraces the subject’s every move with such rapt intimacy and cinematic poetry it’s easy to forget this is not a fictional drama.”
Awards
Grand Prix – Cannes Critics' Week
Best Documentary – COLCOA French Film Festival in Los Angeles
Interested in bringing Makala to your school or library? If you'd like to have an in-class viewing, on-campus screening, or purchase the DVD for your library's collection, please contact Estelle Grosso at EDU@kinolorber.com or call (212) 629-6880 with your request.
Makala may also be available with Public Performance Rights (PPR) and Digital Site Licensing (DSL) for colleges and universities. To purchase the DVD with PPR or DSL, please contact Estelle Grosso at EDU@kinolorber.com or call (212) 629-6880. Click here to learn more at Kino Lorber Edu.
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| Venue | City | State | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Museum of Modern Art | New York | NY | 1535083200August 24 - August 30, 2018 |
| New Directors/New Films | New York | NY | 1522555200April 1 - April 2, 2018 |
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