Oscars: Democratic Republic Of Congo Selects ‘Rumba Royale’ For Best International Feature Film Race; The Fally Ipupa Starrer Is Country’s Second Ever Submission

EXCLUSIVE: The Democratic Republic of Congo has selected historical thriller Rumba Royale as its entry for the Best International Feature Film category of the 99th Academy Awards. It’s a historic milestone for Congolese cinema in that the film is the second ever film submitted by the country for the category following its first submission in 1997 with Macadam Tribu.

Directed by Yohane Dean Lengol and Hamed Mobasser, Rumba Royale is set in 1959 Leopoldville, the former capital of Belgian Congo (which is now called Kinshasa), in the final months of Belgian colonial rule. It was a time when the pulsating rhythms of rumba set nightlife alight. The story takes place around the Club Rumba Royale, where white Europeans and Congolese citizens rub shoulders, and where the captivating melodies of rumba merge with aspirations and fiery debates of independence.

The story follows photographer Daniel, played by African rumba star Fally Ipupa, as political change, personal ambition and tragedy reshape the world around him.

Produced and filmed in Kinshasa, the project brought together Congolese actors, technicians, craftspeople, musicians and emerging film professionals in an environment where the local industry continues to develop despite limited infrastructure, production resources and financing opportunities.

The project is the brainchild of writers Kevin Dwyer and Mobasser, the latter of whom is a Belgian diplomat based in Washington D.C. who also co-directs the title.

“Rumba Royale demonstrates the extraordinary stories that can emerge when local talent is given the opportunity to create at scale,” said the filmmakers. “This selection is a celebration of Congolese creativity, resilience and ambition. We hope it helps shine a light not only on this film, but on the growing community of filmmakers across the region whose work deserves greater international attention and support.”