Synopsis
Lileko, the tree of authenticity, which has borne many names, observes the unfolding of human greed. This film-essay from the Democratic Republic of Congo is divided into three parts. Three voices, each in their own time, seem to share the narration, recounting Belgium’s colonial history and its lasting impact on what has become one of the world’s most important areas for ecological preservation. In his debut feature, photographer and visual artist Sammy Baloji presents a bold portrait of his homeland, offering rarely seen images through a blend of sounds, archives, portraits, and landscapes of the DRC. (G.B.)
Trailer
Director
Sammy Baloji
The artist Sammy Baloji (b. 1978, Lubumbashi, DR Congo) lives and works between Lubumbashi and Brussels. His work is an ongoing investigation into the cultural, architectural and industrial heritage of the Katanga region, as well as questioning the impact of Belgian colonisation. His critical view of contemporary societies serves as a warning of the ways in which cultural clichés continue to shape collective memory.
Tuesday 18:30 
