On the Rumba River

On the Rumba River
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Format:  DVD
item number:  FS94
on most orders of $75+
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DVD Details

  • Rated: Not Rated
  • Run Time: 1 hours, 22 minutes
  • Video: Color
  • Encoding: Region 1 (USA & Canada)
  • Released: October 21, 2008
  • Originally Released: 2008
  • Label: First Run Features

Performers, Cast and Crew:

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Director of Photography:

Entertainment Reviews:

Product Description:

Fans of Congolese rumba are sure to be familiar with the name Wendo and the musician's amazing story. For both the devoted and the uninitiated, this documentary chronicles the difficult life of the man born Antoine Kolosoy. From his childhood as an orphan, Wendo and his music were disdained by both church and Belgian leaders, but his music helped provide a soundtrack when his country became independent in the 1960s. ON THE RUMBA RIVER begins with Wendo as a young man and follows him through stardom, poverty, and even a revival of fame. Director Jacques Sarasin previously profiled another African musician with I'LL SING FOR YOU, a documentary about Malian guitarist Boubacar Traore.

Description by First Run Features Home Video:

Traveling up and down the majestic Congo river on a rickety boat, the young orphan Antoine 'Wendo' Kolosoy composed his first songs on a beat up old guitar. As his talent was revealed and his reputation grew, the government banned his music, fearful the joyful rhythms would stir unrest.
Wendo's first album, released in 1948, made him the superstar of Congolese Rumba. But as Congo suffered under the dictator Mobutu, he was reduced to beggarhood. In the late 1990s, older and wiser, Wendo made his comeback. Featuring stunning images and unforgettable music and interviews, this enjoyable film joins Wendo as he journeys across Congo, playing his joyful music and searching for old band-mates. ON THE RUMBA RIVER is "an eye-opening view into the spirit of the Congolese people, and a beautiful and warm-hearted portrait of a singer who seems at times the beating heart of a country" (Chris Barsanti, Film Journal International).

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Product Info

  • UPC: 720229913478
  • Shipping Weight: 0.25/lbs (approx)
  • International Shipping: 1 item

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