In Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an elected member of parliament strives to gain the support of his poor, rural constituents while pursuing his own individualistic ambitions. In the DRC, where tribalism defines social hierarchies and state service is the dominant form of wealth creation; corruption becomes the rule rather than the exception, ensnaring even the most fervent idealists. Bana Congo Oyez! presents the everyday reality of the DRC's dysfunctional leadership through the barnstorming, sloganeering election campaign of an idealistic congressman, Mr. Jean-Lucien Bussa, who routinely confronts his own conflicting incentives of service to others and service to his own needs. When does patronage end and corruption begin? It's a rare glimpse into the relationship between voters and the elected representatives of a state corroded by systemic corruption. Can a politician be elected without being tainted by that corruption?

Dir. Patrick Flynn & Natacha Ikoli

DR Congo/USA, 2015, 75 min. French & Lingala w/ English subtitles