801-592-4515 - (USA) 243-999-926-452 (Congo)
Congo Rising
Congo Rising Welcomes You
What we are Doing
Building the Cinema Industry
Establishing power sources to facilitate films in rural areas which lack infrastructure
In a few years, we want the DR-Congo to be regarded as a center of excellent film rather than a center of violence.
Empowerment through Art
Join Us
Discover the transformative power of storytelling at Congo Rising. Immerse yourself in our current project: Joseph and Simeon, a tale of brotherhood, forgiveness, and resilience. Join us on this journey of creativity and empowerment.
WELCOME
Though we suffered broken bones, inadequate internet, and bad audio, we managed to get this film made!
Joseph and Simeon
Awards
Our History
Kinshasa:
We work with pioneering filmmakers in the DR-Congo to restore cinema to the country. (It was lost thirty years ago.)
Beyond that, we film lectures and demonstrations which can be shown throughout the country (via RACHEL) to introduce educational programs even in the most rural areas.
The Journey
Bimpa Production started with four people in Kinshasa. They began making short films and producing each other's work. Soon, they established a film festival. (In 2020, it had its 7th edition.)
For years, they met weekly according to the schedule of when electricity would be available to power their laptops and phones. Things have improved greatly, but we aim to make power accessible, reliable and expandable.
Meetings were once scheduled according to the availability of electricity.
Today, Bimpa is ready.
Ways We Help the Film industry and empower marginalized populations
Mbuji Mayi: We work with Disu Production
We work with the Albino population of the Kasai area
We are preparing for a film festival in Mbuji Mayi in 2027
Heart of Africa
Heart of Africa 2: Companions
Heart of Africa
Called a "cultural revolution" in Kinshasa, this film signaled the return of cinema to the DR-Congo with its 2020 premiere. Though slowed by COVID19, it was the #1 foreign film in the USA when theaters closed.
International screenings and awards
Heart of Africa 2:
Companions
Francophone Award for short film "Mbote" by Tshoper Kabambi
Grand prize award from Branson Film Festival (USA), Audience Choice award from Zion Film Festival, USA, and Golden Jury award from Nigeria. (The film also won "Best Foreign Film" in NYC.)
Books and Movies
Who we Are
We all want to speak for ourselves to tell our own stories. In this initiative, we show and tell
Making our own Books
With cardboard, fabric, and glue, participants can create their own hardcover books and fill the pages with their own life story.
Filming Life Stories
We are now offering the service of filming life stories. In this photo, Tshoper Kabambi sits with his aunt, who he has not met before. We just finished a grand reunion.
Celestine's Story
The Book Binding Initiative
We believe that as we tell each others our life stories, we all will build empathy.
The Albino Initiative
We do not keep an online store, but sell relevant items at theaters where we show our films. We will have a screening/market in 2027.
Our mission is hope and healing.
Donate to Congo Rising
Venmo: @Congo-Rising
Last 4 digits of phone number: 7591
561 N. 700 W. Provo, Utah 84601 (USA)
Avenue Fayala 40, Limete, Mombele
Kinshasa, DR-Congo
801-592-4515 - (USA) 243-999-926-452 (Congo)
