Deep Dive: Makala (2017)
Film Lens
Makala follows a young man named Kabwita as he cuts down a tree and converts it into charcoal. This labor-intensive task is depicted with minimal dialogue, focusing on Kabwita's physical efforts and the challenges he faces. He builds a charcoal oven, processes the wood, and loads the charcoal into sacks attached to his bicycle for a 50 km trip to sell it in a nearby city.
The film illustrates Kabwita's struggles to earn enough money to buy roofing iron for his family's house in Kolwezi. His family faces dire circumstances, including having to roast rats for food and dealing with a child's stomach ailment. Along the way, Kabwita encounters toll pirates who extort him and finds that the prices in the city are continually lowered. Despite selling all his charcoal, he is unable to afford the roofing iron he desires, culminating in a visit to a religious meeting that offers a glimmer of hope.
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.
Perfect For
Social issues in AfricaCharcoal productionCannes Film Festival winners