Watch Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution

Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution is a biographical drama film that tells the story of Kimpa Vita, a young Congolese visionary who challenged the oppression and colonization of her people. The film takes place in the 18th century in the Kongo Kingdom (modern-day Angola, Congo, and Gabon) during the time of the Catholic Church's expansion in Africa.

The film opens with the young Kimpa Vita, played by Sanny Sessa, discovering her spiritual gifts, and receiving a vision from a heavenly messenger who tells her to unite the Kongo people under one king and one religion. Despite being born into a family of nobles, Kimpa Vita's vision made her a social outcast, but others began to believe in her message over time. She taught that the Kongo people were God's chosen people, and that Christianity was a Kongo religion that had been adulterated by Europeans.

Alastair Greener portrays the Portuguese bishop, who views Kimpa Vita as an apostate and a threat to the Church's mission in Africa. The bishop fulfills his duty by turning Kimpa Vita over to the Inquisition, causing her to be imprisoned and tortured for her beliefs. The film's climax occurs with her trial, where her fate will either undermine or inspire her followers.

The film's director, Ne Kunda Nlaba, masterfully conveys the geographical and cultural terrain of the Kongo Kingdom, while also showing the intersection of gospel, colonialism, and African spirituality in the region. The film speaks to the wider theme of African resistance movements against imperialism and injustices by the Catholic Church.

Simon Herlin, who serves as the film's cinematographer, captures the lush landscapes and colorful costumes worn by the Kongo people, and uses the camera to capture closeups of key players' emotions. Herlin also juxtaposes the peace and beauty of the Kongo Kingdom against the tyranny and exploitation of the missionaries and their political minions.

Sanny Sessa delivers a stunning performance, exhibiting a range of emotions as she convinces her followers of her vision, confronts the political authorities and finally faces the torture of the Inquisitors. She portrays a convincing Kimpa Vita, who is simultaneously vulnerable, strong-willed, and charismatic. Alastair Greener, in contrast, plays the bishop with a noticeable callousness that builds through the progression of the story.

Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution does not shy away from showing the violence of colonialism, it depicts scenes of mutilations, plunder, and violence perpetrated against African natives. The movies make a tempting jab at religion, showcasing the ways in which Christianity was used to subjugate African society. It also highlights the many cultural and religious practices wiped out as a result of colonialism. Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution shines a light on the unspoken stories of African revolutionaries fighting against imperialism and oppression.

Overall, Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution is a well-made film that dramatizes the life of Kimpa Vita, a little-known African hero whose mission epitomizes the resistance of colonialism and religious supremacy. It is beautifully filmed, painfully honest, providing much food for thought about the costs of change, politics and the ways we perform Faith.

Kimpa Vita: The Mother of the African Revolution is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes.