Congo Boy Panorama © 2026 MAKONGO FILMS UNITÉ KIRIPIFILMS KARTA FILM CANAL

A deeply affecting coming-of-age drama, Congo Boy tells the story of Robert, a young Congolese man displaced by war into the Central African Republic. With his parents imprisoned over their immigration status, Robert is left to care for his four younger siblings, juggle various odd jobs, and manage his studies. He hides his Congolese identity for fear of being deported, even from his best friend, while working to fulfill his father’s dream of becoming a doctor — though his real passion is for music. As pressures mount, Robert escapes his struggles through writing poetry and singing.

This is a film that immerses its audience in what it feels like to grow up in a place where you don’t feel accepted. Writers Rafiki Fariala and Tommy Baron skillfully layer the film with socioeconomic and political dimensions. Congo Boy is a rich portrait of the refugee experience that leaves its audience with a lingering sense of hope.

Content Considerations: Racism

Best Actor: Un Certain Regard, Cannes 2026