“Madi Makambu”, interview with the director Machérie Ekwa Bahango

Madi Makambu is the second feature of congolese director and screenwriter Machérie Ekwa Bahango about the lives of the two lovers, Madi and Djino, who experienced a denied pregnancy.

It is one of the six feature films selected at the 14th edition of Final Cut in Venice, the program of  Venice Film Festival and Venice Production Bridge that supports film in post-production from all African countries and six countries of the Middle East (Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen).

The challanges of filmmaking in the DR of Congo

After her successful debut Maquila, which won the Jury Prize at Berlinale in 2018, Machérie Ekwa Bahango shares her journey in developing her second feature film, Madi Makambu. She discusses the social themes explored in the film, set in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, and highlights the challenges of filmmaking in her country. The director emphasizes the importance of perseverance and passion, especially considering the difficulties faced by local filmmakers due to the lack of a professional industry. Her insights into Madi Makambu reveal her deep engagement with social issues that resonate with her personal experiences and community.

The co-production Journey

The production journey of Madi Makambu was fueled by resourcefulness and international collaboration. Bahango recounts how she initially sought to fund the project independently before engaging co-producers from France and Belgium. She explains how partnerships with Canal Plus and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie facilitated the film’s development, despite limited funds. Bahango also shares her strategy of quick production to avoid prolonged delays, underscoring her determination to bring her vision to life. She notes the ongoing process of securing additional co-producers, distributors, and partners to complete post-production, with a focus on maintaining an all-African crew on set.”

The African team and the importance of Venice

Looking ahead, Machérie Ekwa Bahango describes her excitement about its selection for the final cut at Venice and her hopes for the film’s future. She expresses her eagerness to receive further support to finish the editing process and deliver the film in the best possible condition. Bahango also shares her pride in assembling an entirely African team, with most crew members from Congo and one Tunisian assistant director, emphasizing her commitment to developing local talent. The director remains optimistic about the impact of Madi Makambu and its potential to highlight social realities in Congo, reinforced by the recognition and visibility gained through the Venice International Film Festival.

Plot