In Congo, as one of the world's largest power plants’ projects moves forward, an entire community in the city of Kinshasa is plunged into darkness. A mosaic of characters in search of light, both literally and figuratively, embody the resilience and faith of the region's inhabitants in the face of total abandonment by the authorities. Through the art of light, Congolese filmmaker Nelson Makengo captures the absence of light, drawing us into an impenetrable night lit only by candles, LED lamps, and fireworks celebrating the arrival of a new year. Rising Up at Night captures with remarkable vigour the vital force of a population who, drawing on its internal community ties, fights for something more precious than electricity: the preservation of its dignity. (AAM)

competition : New Visions Competition

Rising Up at Night