Film Lens
The film focuses on the life and struggles of people traveling on the Congo River, one of the most dangerous rivers in the world. It shows the experiences of passengers on the GBEMANI, a freight carrier that also transports people, as they wait for departure amid overcrowding and uncertainty. The journey is fraught with challenges, including hunger, illness, and the threat of shipwreck, as seen when the overloaded *Kia Bounthou* tragically sank, resulting in 140 drownings.
Through the lens of the captain, a stuntman, and the passengers, the film illustrates the importance of the Congo River as a lifeline connecting cities like Kinshasa and Kisangani. It captures the communal spirit among travelers, their hopes for family reunions or fortunes in diamond mines, and the harsh realities they face while waiting for a chance to move forward.
Why Watch
- •Meet the captain who is also a stuntman.
- •Find out why the Congo River is considered sacred.
- •See how passengers cope with extreme overcrowding.
- •Discover the struggles of fishermen risking their lives daily.
Did You Know
•The Congo River is considered one of the most dangerous rivers in the world.
•The GBEMANI carries 800 people without cabins, resembling a floating slum.
•140 people drowned when the overloaded *Kia Bounthou* shipwrecked.
•Passengers on the GBEMANI waited almost a month for departure.
•The journey from Kinshasa to Kisangani covers 1700 kilometers.
Perfect For
Adventure seekersFans of river travelDocumentary loversPeople interested in African culture