How ‘Congo Boy’ Overcame the African Funding Drought to Break a 23-Year Cannes Absence

Congolese director Rafiki Fariala discusses the brutal reality of financing his €830,000 debut feature, and how European co-production initiatives are vital for African cinema’s survival.

May 18, 2026

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Congo Boy is a milestone for the African film industry. Selected for Un Certain Regard at Cannes 2026, Rafiki Fariala’s debut feature breaks a massive drought: the last time a film from the Central A…

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