The documentary Kakungu offers a powerful and compelling insight into the traditions, challenges and stories of Congolese in Belgium and Congo. This production provides a unique opportunity to explore social themes such as identity, heritage and intergenerational connection in an accessible and impactful way.

In recent years, attention to the shared colonial past of Belgium and Congo has been growing in social and political debates. Several initiatives were taken around public space, research and museum collections. 

In this context, King Philippe travelled to Congo for the first time in June 2022, where he expressed his regret for colonisation and handed over a kakungu mask to President Félix Tshisekedi. This mask, from the Suku people of Kwango, had been part of the AfricaMuseum's collection since 1954. Today it is on display as a long-term loan at the Musée national de la République démocratique du Congo (MNRDC).

The VRT Nomaden reporters Don Moussa Pandzou, Job Van Nieuwenhove and Adriaan De Loore follow the traces of this mask. How do Congolese, here and there, view the issue of restitution? How can Belgium and Congo deal with their shared colonial past in a meaningful way? And how to shape restitution appropriately?

The documentary will be introduced by one of its makers, Don Moussa Pandzou. After the screening, Reine Elisabeth Mbote will talk to art historian and curator Anne Wetsi Mpoma and legal expert Marie-Sophie de Clippele.

The evening will be conducted partially in Dutch and partially in English.

This screening is part of an in-depth trajectory organised by Don Moussa Pandzou, 11.11.11 and partners. During this trajectory, at least 15 young people between 18 and 30 years old, starting from the documentary, reflect on research questions about restitution. They engage in dialogue with each other, immerse themselves in the theme and draw inspiration from discussions with experts in the field. In this way, they create space for awareness and action within a social debate that is becoming increasingly urgent. 

Partners of the project: MAS, Congolese Kring, KADOC, Youth Zone, CVGA: Congolese-Flemish Community of Antwerp, Bambelle, ENABEL, KMMA (AfricaMuseum), Yaya yaba Leki, Mwinda Kitoko, 11.11.11