Makala means coal in Swahili. To Kabwita, who lives in the Congolese forest, coal is the fortune with which to build a house and future for his family. Portraying the tough journey to sell coal, the film presents courage, inspiration, despair and the light of hope. Makala, awardee of 2017 International Critics’ Week Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival, is full of metaphors, symbols and poetic inspiration, unlike many documentaries of so called “cinéma vérité” style. The camera follows the protagonist as he cuts the trees, makes coal with them and delivers it to town by himself for his family. When he walks along the road dragging his shabby bicycle loaded full with heavy coal, it feels like he will have to walk forever. When he continues his journey, overcoming all the obstacles, he reminds us of the reality in Congo and the human conditions as well as a man’s responsibility to his family. This universally touching work is the second documentary by Emmanuel Gras, well known for his debut film Bovines (2012). (RHEE Souewon)