Looks like my tour to DRC wasn’t done. Last week, we explored the rural survival in the country with the film documentary with MAKALA, now we dive deep into the street life in Kinshasa with, MAKI’LA.
Nineteen-year-old Maki’la, nicknamed Maki, has been living on the streets since she was 13, and has long been friends with young hoodlum Mbingazor, who has become the boss of a criminal gang. The two end up getting married; however, the relationship is founded on exploitation and violence and soon leaves Maki feeling trapped. She manages to escape and goes into hiding, when she meets Acha, a 12-year-old who has recently wound up on the streets herself after losing her parents. Soon the two forge a close bond, though Mbingazor, angrier than ever, is close behind.
Maki’la does not hold back in its unforgiving portrayal of the kid’s life in the streets; the risks taken for a nighttime meal, the close to bloody conflicts, untrustworthy ‘family’, these and more in a city that turns a blind eye.
The film’s strength lie in its performances, especially that of Amour Lombi (Maki’la), Fideline Kwanza (Acha), and Serge Kanyinda (Mbingazor), who’s arc turns from flawed to totally maniacal.
The pacing lags at first as the film beacons you in to the world of Maki’la but finds its footing when Acha joins in, giving us an opportunity to know more about Maki’la other than her rough and tumble demeanor.
In a time when most dwell on spectacle than substance, Maki’la is highly self aware, betting heavily on its story while still cautious of its technical decisions.
However, a twist with its own inciting incident felt intentional but wrongly placed, with the events leading to it lacking in narrative progression, and stepping away from the films genre in a bid to induce a reaction.
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