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Makala is a deeply moving and thought-provoking documentary film that follows the struggles of a young charcoal transporter named Kabwita Kasongo. Directed by Emmanuel Gras and released in 2017, the film provides an insightful and nuanced portrait of Kasongo as he embarks on a grueling and dangerous journey to sell his charcoal at the market.

The film opens with Kasongo and his family digging up trees in the forests of southeastern Congo to make charcoal, a process that involves slow burning wood for several days. Kasongo's young wife, Lydie Kasongo, assists in the process, carrying heavy loads of wood and selling the finished charcoal in the market. The opening sequences of the film are quiet and meditative, depicting the daily routines of Kasongo and his family as they work together to eke out a living in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

As the film progresses, the viewer is drawn deeper into Kasongo's world, witnessing the many obstacles that he confronts on a daily basis. Makala shows how Kasongo has to fight against corrupt officials, bandits, and extortionists who demand fees and bribes at every step of the way. He must also navigate treacherous roads and rivers, facing dangerous conditions as he makes his way to the market with his bags of charcoal on his bicycle.

Despite these enormous challenges, Kasongo remains an optimist, his bright spirit shining through even in the darkest moments. He is driven by a desire to provide for his family, to give his children better opportunities than he himself had growing up. As the film progresses, we see Kasongo's quiet determination, his resilience in the face of adversity, and his boundless kindness and generosity towards others.

One of the most striking aspects of Makala is the way in which it uses aesthetics to convey the harsh reality of Kasongo's life. The cinematography is simply stunning, with beautiful shots of the forests, roads, and markets intercut with close-ups of Kasongo's face as he struggles to make his way through each day. The filmmakers use sound design to great effect, highlighting the sounds of the forest, the markets, and the road as a way of immersing the viewer in Kasongo's world.

Makala also raises important questions about the economic and political systems that perpetuate poverty and inequality in Congo and other parts of Africa. The film highlights how the charcoal and timber industries are often exploitative and environmentally destructive, with vast profits going to foreign corporations while local workers like Kasongo see little benefit.

Overall, Makala is a powerful and moving film that sheds light on a world that is often hidden from view. As we follow Kasongo on his journey, we are reminded of the enormous challenges faced by millions of people living in poverty around the world, and of the resilience and determination that they must summon each day just to survive. The film is a testament to the human spirit, to the power of community, and to the importance of telling stories that help us see the world with greater clarity and compassion.

Makala is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 71.