Akesi and the Congo River
Akesi and the Congo River was inspired by the myths and wisdom of people living in the Congo Basin.
On his journey, he learns about his ancestral history, local mythologies, and the surrounding ecosystems through important and engaging life lessons. Using a blend of animation and green screens, hosts are able to transport children through the Congo Basin, across the Congo River, and through time zones and eras to connect with the country’s culture, no matter where the viewers are based.
Hosts include Sasheer Zamata, a former Saturday Night Live cast member and writer; Akwasi, a musician and self-professed 'creative centipede'; Teddy Teclebrhan, comedian and host of Teddy Comedy; Gaz Mawete, a Congolese musician; and Jeny Bosenge, a Belgo-Congolese choreographer and influencer.
Each adventure is available in five languages: English, Dutch, German, Lingala, and French. These short stories cover a host of key moments in Congolese history as they weave local mythologies together with historical facts about colonization and the importance of environmental conservation.
Akesi is currently making his way through film festivals around the world. Keep an eye on this page to see when Akesi and the Congo River is coming to a cinema near you!
Check out our selected premieres below:
San Jose International Film Festival
[NOMINEE] Episode: "Akesi and the Secrets of the Forest"
October 8th, 2022
Helsinki Education Film Festival International
[NOMINEE] All episodes selected
October 14th to 23rd, 2022
San Diego International Kids' Film Festival
[NOMINEE] San Diego, California, USA
October 28th to 30th, 2022
Kids’n’film Festival in Vallejo, California
[WINNER Special Juror's Choice] Episode: “Akesi and the Secrets of the Forest”
November 5, 2022
NZ Web Fest in New Zealand
[NOMINEE] All episodes selected
November 8th to 13th, 2022
International Film Festival The Hague
[NOMINEE] Episode: “Akesi and the Fight for Independence”
November 11th to 23rd, 2022
Sydney Web Fest
[WINNER “Best Kids” Category] Episode: “Akesi and the Secrets of the Forest”
December 3rd to 5th, 2022
Goethe Science and Film Festival
[NOMINEE] All episodes selected
January 2023
Toronto Black Film Festival
[NOMINEE] All episodes selected
February 15th to 20th, 2023