Demonized and denounced by their families, 30,000 children live in the streets of Kinshasa, DR Congo. Amongst them is the indomitable José (José Mawanda, like all the kids in the cast, a nonprofessional recruited from the streets), who aspires to form a rap group and change his fortunes. But he is far from alone—the streets are teeming with musical kids looking for ways to both express themselves and survive from day to day. Uncovering instances of poignancy and optimism amidst abject squalour, Marc-Henri Wajnberg’s film builds to a rousing climax that pulses with youthful abandon. (As an aside, Rachel Mwanza, who was discovered by Wajnberg and plays the role of Rachel here, went on to the lead role in Rebelle—also in this year’s VIFF—which netted her the Best Actress award at the Berlin Film Festival!)

"Perhaps the most ebullient ’musical’ you’ll see this year, Marc-Henri Wajnberg’s singular documentary/fiction hybrid follows a group of street kids—kicked out of their homes for being “witch children”—in the titular Congolese capital. These ever-resourceful youngsters decide to form a band and team up with Bebson, an eccentric impresario and one-time recording star; he’s just one of many unforgettable adults who, whether as informal instructors, fellow musicians, or menacing pursuers, impact the lives of these indefatigable tykes. Completely devoid of sentimentality and condescension, Kinshasa Kids celebrates and honors both the resilience of its young protagonists and the chaotic city in which they live."—New York Film Festival