Shown as part of 2010′s LFF Renaud Barret and Florent de la Tullaye world music odyssey was one of the highlights of the whole festival. Heading to Kinshasa to film their documentary they came upon a street band, many of them disabled through Polio, called Staff Benda Bilili, headed by Ricky. The film follows the band as they try to record their first album amidst the daily turmoil of what life is really like for those living in the Congolese slums.
With their homemade wheelchairs the band are a group of performers who have a belief so complete in their music and in their ability that it comes through in every world they say and every note the play. There is a survival instinct in the band that is illustrated when the hospital/home where many of them live burns down with every single thing they own lost. Yet even with that they remain positive and upbeat not allowing anything to get in their way.
The move changes pase when on a dark street the filmmakers approach a young boy, Roger, who is playing an odd homemade instrument (a fish can with guitar wire through it) and fait it seems was with Roger that night as the very next day he was introduced to the band.
Money Runs Out
Half was through the film the filmmakers run out of money and have to return to France and the band slowly disband. When the filmmakers manage to get some more funding they head back to the Kinshasa town and try to piece the band back together. One of the biggest members of the band, the teenager Roger, could not be located and they search deep into to the bush to try and find him. Once they get to a small township news of Roger and his musical instrument is well know. Part of you is unsure what to expect and are a little weary as to whether or not Roger would still be the wide-eyed innocent kid he was before the filmmakers left.
The next scene we see Roger come down the river in a boat, dressed like an extra from any number of gangster films, yet he’s still playing his instrument and the band are finally fully reformed. Roger is a teenager who many in the West could learn a great deal from. You only see his own family once and you get a clear picture of what type of life he is trying to avoid. His head is firmly on his shoulders, something that doesn’t go unnoticed by the members, and he’s aware that his life has now forever changed.
Benda Bilili! is a rare gem of a film that not only has a positive message but a band who have undeniable faith in their ability and their music. Once the CD is printed it becomes a non-stop ride for the band as they tour Europe playing festivals and introducing their music to a very appreciative audience giving them all a high that leaves you feeling great afterwards.
This film is guaranteed to leave you with the widest smile you could ever imagine.
