Paul Shemisi &Bie Michels
BANDEKO BASI - FILM AVANT-PREMIERE
The documentary Bandeko Basi by filmmakers Paul Shemisi and Bie Michels examines the position of women in Kinshasa, focusing on how they navigate both traditional and contemporary roles, particularly in relation to female sexual identity.
** AVANT-PREMIERE of the film BANDEKO BASI in the presence of filmmakers Paul Shemisi and Bie Michels, with a Q&A moderated by Anne Wetsi Mpoma after the screening of the film. **
At the centre of the film is Hana Kele (known as HanaKel on social media), an activist who champions the right to a female sexual identity. She is a key figure who breaks taboos and speaks openly on the subject, with sharp insights on the social role of women in Kinshasa.
Bandeko Basi reflects on various perspectives and experiences of female sexual identity. Through a wide range of everyday encounters and opinions, the discussion expands to include individuals of all gender identities who can make meaningful contributions to the conversation.
By focusing on the ordinary moments, the film stimulates a spontaneous discussion about gender and the status of women in Kinshasa. Gradually, an in-depth understanding of how postcolonial and cultural influences shape conceptions of sexual identity emerges. The dialogue between the filmmakers also underlines how their different social and postcolonial backgrounds help shape the documentary.
Paul Shemisi and Bie Michels chose a fluid camera style with an unforced rhythm, to capture the authenticity of conversations as naturally as possible. Bandeko Basi was created through spontaneous dialogues, allowing the film to develop in a sincere and collaborative manner.
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Bie Michels is a multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Kinshasa, working around (post-)colonial issues, decolonisation, postcolonial feminism and female representation. She participated in Contour 9 in 2019. Paul Shemisi began studying law, but soon traded the law book for the camera. He is associated with the Belgian-Congolese Collectif Faire-Part, winner of the 4th Cedric Willemen Award in 2023.
After the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers Anne Wetsi Mpoma, art historian, curator, and founder of Wetsi Gallery, who advocates for inclusivity by elevating marginalized artists.
Bandeko Basi
Concept, direction and montage: Paul Shemisi and Bie Michels • main person: Hana Kele • translation: Paul Shemisi & Lou Michels (FR), Patrick Lennon (EN), Bie Michels (NL) • colour grading: Thijs Paijmans • audio mixing: Valentin Mazingarbe • graphic design: Samuel Allemand • distribution: PresentFuture, Argos • Produced by PresentFuture with support from the Flemish Community.
2025, HD, color, stereo, 71min. French and Lingala spoken. Dutch and French subtitles.