While the news of the harrowing events currently occurring in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is slowly entering Western spaces on social media platforms, it remains difficult to find comprehensive coverage on the matter. While Nelson Makengo’s “Rising Up at Night” does not necessarily cover all the cruelty the Congolese population is facing, the documentary, through a deafening call for help offers an essential perspective on the inability of the government to care for their struggling population.
This work by Makengo is an overwhelmingly evocative documentary that delves into the stark realities of life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by residents in Kinshasa amid frequent power outages and devastating floods. Makengo depicts the struggle of his subjects that is as much about the physical darkness brought on by the lack of electricity as it is about the metaphorical darkness of living in a disaster-stricken area.
Directed by: Nelson Makengo
Year: 2024
Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Belgium, Germany, Burkina Faso, Qatar
Length: 96 minutes
The film opens with a pastor’s sermon that sets the tone for the entire documentary. By comparing darkness to a “power cut” and highlighting how electricity—or the lack thereof—can profoundly affect the happiness and worries of a household, Makengo immediately establishes the central theme of light versus darkness. This dichotomy is not just a matter of physical light but also symbolizes hope and despair, joy and sorrow, and the presence and absence of divine intervention in the lives of the Congolese people that they deeply long for.
The sound design of the film is incredibly remarkable. The cacophony of waves, the chaos of the city, and the loud sound of prayers that beats any of the aforementioned elements are mixed in such a way that they underscore the chaos and desperation of the situation, but also highlight the calls for help from the people.
Makengo doesn’t shy away from presenting the harsh realities faced by his subjects. Through portraits of residents in Cinéma vérité style, but with impressive editing, we hear about children unable to attend school due to floods, the selective assistance from leaders, and the pervasive sense of abandonment felt by the populace. Yet, amid these testimonies, the documentary explores the complex relationship between the people and their leaders, as well as their faith in the religion that strengthens their belief in a better future through resistance.
The documentary is especially powerful in its visual portrayal of movement and light, even if there’s little, as a beacon of hope. The poetic imagery of small sources of light, such as glowing sticks and candles, illuminating the faces of those around them, serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience of these people. The shaky camera work further immerses the viewer in the instability and tumultuousness of daily life in Kinshasa.
Doing much more than simply documenting the challenges faced by the residents of Kinshasa “Rising Up at Night”; the documentary adds a crucial perspective to the Western understanding of the situation in the DRC. By drawing parallels between the themes of light and darkness in Christianity and the lives of his subjects, Makengo invites the viewer to consider the deeper spiritual and communal struggles that underpin the daily existence of those living in constant uncertainty, but also experience the power of faith during hard times.
“Rising Up at Night” is an artistically crafted documentary that offers a profound look at the faith and strength of the Congolese people amid the chaos of their everyday lives. Its incredible sound design, effective camerawork, and harrowing but enlightening narrative watch for anyone seeking to understand an aspect of the difficulties of life in the DRC.
“Rising Up at Night” premiered at the 2024 Berlin Film Festival, where it screened as part of the festival’s Panorama selection.
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