Employing the conventions of magical realism for a virtuoso and spectacular staging, Augur is a very beautiful first film, portraying a contemporary Africa torn between tradition and modernity.
The first film by Belgian rapper of Congolese origin, Baloji, Augur The film begins with a return to his homeland. Koffi (Marc Zinga) returns to his native Congo (formerly Zaire) after many years spent in Belgium, where he met his wife, Alice (Lucie Debay), a white woman. She is carrying their child. In Congo, Koffi wants to introduce his wife to his family. But for the young man, torn between two cultures, the reunion is not easy. Some even accuse him of witchcraft.
In Swahili, Baloji means "sorcerer." The artist was therefore destined to tackle this theme. He does so brilliantly, creating a highly visual film where the codes of traditional aesthetics clash with the modernity of a country in flux. With its dense, complex narrative and numerous characters—including many women— Augur It is also a fascinating portrait of contemporary Congo, where the importance of traditions and family often clashes with the economic necessity of a solitary exodus to the West. In a way, this first feature film, which offers a fresh perspective on African cinema, is reminiscent of the spectacle History(ies) of Theatre 2 by Faustin Linyekula, presented at the 2019 Avignon Festival, which recounted the creation of the National Ballet of Zaire. Two mirrored works, like chronicles of the strange history of a country that was enamored with its traditions.
Pierre Charpilloz
Augur by Baloji, in theaters from November 22nd