“Repackaging the revenge thriller in parakeet colors and distinctive African beats… writer and director Djo Tunda Wa Munga gives ‘Viva Riva!’ a playful sensuality that goes a long way toward disguising formula.” -Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times
“A blast from start to finish… Revel[s] in genre codes and [is] reminiscent of Tony Scott’s mix of adrenaline and style… [a] sexy actioner…” -Robert Koehler, Daily Variety
“…the first film made in the Democratic Republic of Congo in over two decades…. Director Djo Tunda Wa Munga presents Kinshasa as a vibrant, lawless sprawl of shantytowns, gated villas, bordellos and nightclubs.” -Emanuel Levy, Cinema 24/7
VIVA RIVA finally comes to Atlanta JULY 22 2011 …Come and witness what these critics and others have all agreed and claim to be one of the most daring films to come out of Africa. Viva Riva is a brilliant crime thriller following the makings of a neo-noir film that would keep you wondering if you were really watching something made out of Africa, let alone by an AFRICAN
Check out the trailer below.
Trailer courtesy of Music Box Films
Riva is a small time operator who has just returned to his hometown of Kinshasa, Congo after a decade away with a major score: a fortune in hijacked gasoline. Wads of cash in hand and out for a good time, Riva is soon entranced by beautiful night club denizen Nora, the kept woman of a local gangster. Into the mix comes an Angolan crime lord relentlessly seeking the return of his stolen shipment of gasoline. Director Djo Tunda Wa Munga’s Kinshasa is a seductively vibrant, lawless, fuel-starved sprawl of shantytowns, gated villas, bordellos and nightclubs and Riva is its perfect embodiment.
WITH: Patsha Bay Mukuna (Riva), Manie Malone (Nora), Hoji Fortuna (Cesar), Alex Herbo (J. M.), Marlene Longange (Commandante), Diplome Amekindra (Azor), Angelique Mbumba (Malou), Nzita Tumba (Mere Edo) and Jordan N’Tunga (Anto).
2011 MTV Movie Awards – Best African Film
WINNER OF 6 AFRICAN MOVIE ACADEMY AWARDS 2011
Official Selection – 2010 Toronto International Film Festival, 2011 Berlin International Film Festival, 2011 South By Southwest Film Festival
Winner – Best Feature Film – 2011 Pan African Film Festival
Stay tuned for more updates about Viva Riva and the upcoming Atlanta Screening
Learn more about the film visit Viva Riva Website
