FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

9/28/15

True Walker Productions, Friends of the Congo,

and Maysles Documentary Center present:

Congo in Harlem

7th Annual Series of Films and Events

October 18th-25th, 2015

Maysles Cinema

343 Malcolm X Blvd, NYC 10027

Congo in Harlem is a week-long showcase of films, exhibits, panel discussions and special events focused on the history, politics, and culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The goal of the series is to deepen our community's understanding of DR Congo through art and dialogue. Each year we strive to present a diverse program that encourages audiences to think critically and challenge their assumptions about Congo. But most importantly, we want people to have fun! Congo in Harlem is more than just movies and discussions -- it's an opportunity to discover Congo's culture, learn about its challenges, and get involved.

Highlights of Congo in Harlem 7 include:

- The Palavers of Mboloko, a series of 16mm color animations produced in the early 1950s by a Belgian priest, often called the first "African" films because they incorporate elements of Congolese folklore and music. Recently restored from the original 16mm prints, they will be presented alongside a short documentary about the series' creator, Roger Jamar, directed by renowned Congolese animator Jean-Michel Kibushi, who will be in attendance to discuss the films. The screening will be followed by live music from Isaac Katalay and the Life Long Project. Co-Presented by the New York Film/Video Council.

- Kristof Bilsen's critically acclaimed Elephant's Dream, a poetic and compassionate rendering of public sector workers in three crumbling state owned institutions: a railway station, the central post office, and the only existing fire station in Kinshasa. Kristof Bilsen will be in attendance to present the film, followed by live music from Isaac Katalay and the Life Long Project. Co-Presented by the Margaret Mead Film Festival.

- The US premiere of Rumors of the Lake, by emerging Congolese filmmaker Wendy Bashi. The film portrays eastern Congo’s Lake Kivu through the stories of fishermen. Wendy Bashi will be in attendance for a post-screening Q&A.

- Mukwege, The Doctor Who Saves Women, an intimate portrait of Dr. Denis Mukwege, the founder of Panzi Hospital, a Congolese institution whose primary mission is to treat women who have been violently raped during the region's decades long conflict. Angèle Diabang, the film's director, will be traveling from Senegal to present the film. Co-Presented by Panzi Hospital Foundation USA.

- The US premiere of Hans Bouma's Congo: Business Case, an unflinching study of a former development worker turned social entrepreneur, who attempts to start his own cassava business in a rural village outside Kinshasa. Director Hans Bouma will be in attendance for a post-screening discussion with Harper McConnell, from the Eastern Congo Initiative.

- A glimpse at two works-in-progress about elections in the DRC -- Telema (Stand Up) is an inside glimpse of the Congolese youth involved in the March 2015 uprising, and a second, untitled film by Tales from Kin Productions, depicts the inner-workings of a prominent leader's campaign for office. Directors from both films will be in attendance.

- Exploring Prospects for Peaceful Political Change in Congo, a panel discussion that will explore the current political climate around the 2016 presidential elections -- particularly the prospects for the Congolese population mobilizing to assure that President Kabila respects the country's constitution and steps down.

- Bram Van Paesschen's Empire of Dust, a patiently observed documentary chronicling the relationship between the head of logistics for a Chinese rail company and his Congolese translator. Bram Van Paesschen will be in attendance for the screening.

Full schedule and additional information are available at www.congoinharlem.org.

Visiting filmmakers, panelists and other artists will be available for press meetings throughout the series. For hi-res images, advance film screeners and all other press inquiries, please contact: .

Congo in Harlem is a non-profit film series produced by True Walker Productions, Friends of the Congo, and Maysles Documentary Center. It is made possible by generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts and in part with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts’ Electronic Media and Film Presentation Funds grant program, administered by The ARTS Council of the Southern Finger Lakes. Other supporters include the New York Film/Video Council, Margaret Mead Film Festival, CINEMATEK, Panzi Foundation USA, and the General Representation of the Government of Flanders to the U.S.

Maysles Cinema is located at 343 Malcolm X Blvd, between 127th and 128th Streets. Screenings are open to the public at a suggested donation of $10. For more information visit: www.congoinharlem.org

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