This slick, atmospheric thriller is packed with kinetic enery. "The first major motion picture to come out of Congo in decades happens to be one of the best neonoirs from anywhere in recent memory." — Time Out New York
Vicious, sexy and throbbingly realistic... the film is one joyride that knows it will careen into a spectacular crash.
Screened as part of NZIFF 2011
Viva Riva! 2010
Blazing with torrid sex, mean-ass violence and lurid gangsta fashion choices, this slick, high-octane entertainment from the Democratic Republic of Congo has been both a box office bonanza and the year’s big award winner amongst African films – to the chagrin of those who would take a more sober approach to the fever of corruption gripping every character in view. — BG
“Viva Riva! careens through a multitude of tonally varied but coherently staged scenes of our petrol-bandit hero’s brief, vibrant life running from his Angolan ex-boss… and trying to court a local mobster’s gorgeous moll… Lesbian military commanders, Angolan racism, fellatio behind bars, terrific supporting actors as priests, hookers, madams, endless exchanges of money, goods, and sex – the film has the colour and the grime fit for the dozen films it has stolen from… It’s doubtful there’ll be a more fun film at the [Toronto] festival.” — Daniel Kasman, Mubi.com