Makala

Makala, directed by Emmanuel Gras, is a compelling French documentary movie which released in the year 2017. Starring Kabwita Kasongo and Lydie Kasongo, the film unfolds the real-life struggles faced by the protagonist Kabwita in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Makala is a Swahili term, which translates to ‘charcoal’ in English, denoting the man's primary source of income. A profound metaphor of life, hope, dreams, and resilience, the movie takes the audience on an extraordinary journey of patience and perseverance.

In this poignant narrative, Kabwita embodies the average man in the Democratic Republic of Congo grappling against immense hardships in search of a decent life. He is seen assuming various roles, from a loving husband to a caring father, and a tireless worker as he seeks to accomplish life's necessities in the face of scarcity and adversity.

The movie opens with the raw and hard-hitting visuals of Kabwita laboriously chopping down a massive tree, deep in the jakato forest. This scene communicates volumes about a man’s primal struggle for existence and the dense layers of difficulties he confronts daily. This tree will later be transformed into charcoal, the object that forms the core of his business and survival.

Lydie Kasongo, his supportive wife, finds mention not only as a resilient partner but as a symbol of endurance and hope. The scenes of their home life in the village shed light on their living conditions, their dreams, and how they strive to make ends meet.

Director Emmanuel Gras’s narrative takes a marginally different path from traditional documentaries. He explores Kabwita's struggle in intricately detailed visuals and soundscapes rather than extensive dialogues, interviews, or narrations. His everyday story unfurls over the course of the film, magnifying the mundane routines that otherwise go unnoticed.

The core of the film is Kabwita’s arduous journey to sell his charcoal in the city market. He walks for dozens of miles, with a bicycle heavily loaded with bags of charcoal. The visuals of his painstaking journey down the long and winding roads illuminate the challenging ordeal he regularly endures to sell his wares. His encounters with diverse people who extort his hard-earned money further highlight the harsh realities of the common man's life.

Gras’s direction and the cinematography shine through every frame. The handheld cameras capture Kabwita’s determined expressions, the vast landscapes he traverses, and his meaningful interactions in a way that forms an intimate bond between the protagonist and his viewers. The silences, the sounds of his surroundings, and the minimalistic music touch the viewers, immersing them in the Kabwita’s world.

Another noteworthy aspect of Makala is the indirect depiction of the socio-economic scenario, shedding light on the deep economic disparities in the society of Democratic Republic of Congo. The film subtly reflects upon the economic systems in place, vast urbanization, and the pressure it brings upon rural citizens like Kabwita.

In its entirety, Makala is an insightful cinematic journey that brilliantly communicates the innate human attributes of patience, endurance, and hope despite unfortunate circumstances. Kabwita Kasongo’s heartrending and fearless portrayal of his own life, complemented by Lydie Kasongo’s earnest simplicity, reflects their unraveled saga of their survival against formidable odds.

Documenting the life of an ordinary man in a remote village, Makala essentially becomes everyone’s story. It reminds viewers of the human will to dream, strive and endure, making it a global tale of resilience and survival. With a compelling narrative, intimate shots, and authentic representation, Makala is a cinematic treat that offers an immersive and sensitively crafted insight into the spectrum of human existence and persistence.

To sum it up, Makala is a story of a man’s relentless quest for survival that speaks volumes about human resilience and determination. It is a poignant movie that leaves the viewer pondering the realities of the world, inspiring a deep sense of empathy for the main characters. Makala is a profound cinematic experience - a microcosm of life and a remarkable celebration of the human spirit.