A young man transports heavy sacks of charcoal on his bicycle for 50 kilometers to sell in a nearby city, hoping to improve his family's living conditions.
Synopsis
A young man transports heavy sacks of charcoal on his bicycle for 50 kilometers to sell in a nearby city, hoping to improve his family's living conditions.
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Synopsis
Kabwita walks through the scrubland near Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, with a simple axe in hand. He cuts down a tree to produce charcoal, a task that demands great effort. After constructing a charcoal oven, he loads the finished product into sacks attached to his bicycle. Kabwita travels 50 kilometers to sell the charcoal, hoping to earn enough money to buy roofing iron for his family's home. Along the way, he faces extortion and low prices, while also seeking medicine for his sick child.
What Critics Say
The GuardianThe demands of a Congolese charcoal maker’s job don’t make for a fascinating film.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Follow Kabwita's effort to sell charcoal in Kolwezi.
- See the impact of extortionate toll pirates on his journey.
- Find out how Kabwita's family survives on limited resources.
Did You Know
- Kabwita travels 50 km to sell charcoal in a nearby city.
- He has a child suffering from a stomach ailment.
- The film won the Nespresso Grand Prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
- Kabwita's family resorts to roasting rats for sustenance.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed the documentary Makala?
Makala was directed by Emmanuel Gras.
What award did Makala win at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival?
Makala won the Nespresso Grand Prize at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.
What is the main character's goal in Makala?
The main character, Kabwita, aims to earn enough money from selling charcoal to buy roofing iron for his family's house.
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