Watch Benda Bilili!

Benda Bilili! is a powerful and inspiring documentary released in 2010 that chronicles the rise of a group of disabled street musicians from the Congo who call themselves Staff Benda Bilili. Directed by Renaud Barret and Florent de la Tullaye, this film presents an intimate portrait of the group's members and their struggle to survive amidst poverty, political conflict and physical challenges in Kinshasa.

The film begins with the introduction of the band's leader and guitarist, Ricky Likabu, who suffers from crippling polio and relies on a homemade tricycle. Through his connection with other disabled men on the streets, he forms an unlikely alliance with a group of young street children, who are also struggling to survive on the streets of Kinshasa. Together, they form an incredible bond and create a makeshift home in a public park, using discarded materials to build makeshift furniture and form a makeshift community.

The band members each have unique stories to share, and this film tells their stories with empathy and respect. Roger Landu, a young boy who was born blind, became an incredible musician and learned to build his own electric guitar from scraps. Then, there's Coco Ngambali, who talks about his childhood struggles and the loss of his parents during the war. These stories of resilience and courage are interwoven with incredible musical performances by the band, highlighting the infectious rhythm and energy that has made them a sensation worldwide.

Throughout the film, we witness the band members' determination and efforts to bring their music to the broader audience. Despite the challenges they face, including financial difficulties, lack of recognition and mobility issues, they persist in making music and perfecting their craft. Eventually, they come to the attention of the international music world, playing shows in Europe and even performing at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film does not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life in Kinshasa. But it also shows how Staff Benda Bilili's music serves as a powerful force of hope and unity for the people of the city. The film captures the colorful, vibrant, and pulsating energy of Kinshasa, complementing the music and giving a sense of the place where the band's music originated.

The cinematography in the film is stunning, capturing the bittersweet beauty of Kinshasa and bringing the viewer even closer to the band's journey. The film is an intimate portrayal of the band's members, their day-to-day struggles, and their remarkable musical talent that provides a testament to human resilience in the face of overwhelming hardship.

In conclusion, Benda Bilili! is a cinematic masterpiece that strikes a perfect balance between storytelling and music. The incredible performances of Staff Benda Bilili are truly awe-inspiring, and their story of resilience is one that everyone can relate to. The documentary captures the spirit of Kinshasa in all its raw, gritty beauty, and it is a testament to the power of music to unite people across cultures and continents.

Benda Bilili! is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 77.