La vie est belle (Life is Rosy)  La
Vie est Belle takes us inside the vibrant music scene of Kinshasha,
Zaire's exhilarating and exasperating capital whose back alleys and clubs
pulsate to the beat of some of the most influential music in the world.
The film, starring World Beat music legend, Papa Wemba, tells the "rags
to riches" story of a poor country musician who seeks fame in the city's
vibrant music industry. This lively farce illustrates Zairians' faith
in Systeme-D or debrouillardise, fending for yourself to survive in the
face of overwhelming obstacles. If there is a commercial cinema in Africa's
future, then La Vie est Belle may be one of its precursors. Popular Culture Urban Studies (Africa) Music and Cultural History |
"A genial musical
offering and insightful look at Zaire." "Joyful entertainment!...Papa
Wemba has the appeal of a young Harry Belafonte." "Like Black
Orpheus, La Vie Est Belle is a fairy tale embellished by joyous music
and phantasmagorical images"
Video
Purchase: $195
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