Congo Boy

Directed by Rafiki Fariala

Central African Republic

2026

95 mins

Unclassified 15+

Winner, Best Actor Award, Cannes Un Certain Regard. This stirring, autobiographical drama follows a Congolese teen chasing his music dreams while juggling family pressure, exams and political unrest.

Seventeen-year-old Robert (Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset) has serious stage-commanding talent, but life in the Central African Republic city of Bangui gives him little room to dream. Displaced from the Congo by war, he is suddenly left in charge of his four younger siblings when both parents are sent to prison. With the competing pressures of caring for his family and studying for exams, Robert finds escapism and solace in poetry and rap. Based on director Rafiki Fariala’s own life story, Congo Boy captures the bustle of Bangui with warmth and urgency, skilfully placing Robert’s musical ambition against the daily realities of survival. Un Certain Regard Best Actor winner Fiomona Dembeasset brings tremendous authenticity to this tale of resilience, responsibility and restless youth.

“An affecting musical drama about a star being born despite all the odds against him.”

Murtada Elfadl, Variety

Tickets

Thu 11 June 2026, 8:40pm

Past Event

Dendy Newtown - Cinema 2

Sun 14 June 2026, 9pm

Past Event

Dendy Newtown - Cinema 1

See more, save more with a Flexipass or Youth Pass

Program Strand
Late Announce – Special Screenings
Year
2026
Classification
Unclassified 15+
Country
Central African Republic, France, Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy
Director
Rafiki Fariala
Producer
Boris Lojkine, Elvis Sabin Ngaïbino, Daniele Incalcaterra
Cast
Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset, Christy Djomanda Louba, Pétruche Mbomba
Screenwriter
Rafiki Fariala, Tommy Baron
Cinematographer
Adrien Lallau
Editor
César Simonot
Composer
Rafiki Fariala, Lillo Morreale
Genre
Award Winner, Cannes Selected, Politics, Africa, Music
Premiere
Australian Premiere
Company Credits
Sales Agent: The Party Film Sales

Sydney Film Festival acknowledges Australia’s First Nations People as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, and pay respect to the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, upon whose Country SFF is based.

We honour the storytelling and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia.

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