FR/GER/BE/HT | 2000 | 115mins | dir. Raoul Peck, with Eriq Ebouaney, Alex Descas, Maka Kotto, Théophile Sowié | cert. TBC | in French, Linga

When Joseph Kasa-Vubu is sworn in as the first President of the country, with Patrice Lumumba as Prime Minister, they attempt to prevent the Congo succumbing to secession and anarchy. Lumumba’s fierce anti-colonial stance immediately makes him an enemy of both foreign and local powers. The film depicts the final months of Lumumba’s life, another visionary African leader whose life was cut short because of their opposition to foreign influence. Raoul Peck’s powerful political film is a fierce critique on Western influence on African politics and a complex study of an African Nationalist hero.

In partnership with Cine Lumiere as part of The Night of ideas programme.

For more information visit: http://nightofideas.co.uk