Wrestlers

A tender portrait of a group of Congolese wrestlers, who are conscious and dedicated performers of a brutal-seeming yet delicately precise tradition.

When a legendary Congolese wrestling champion passes, his peers - gutted by the lack of interest from local authorities - organise a wrestling event in his honour. Derhwa Kasunzu's endearing film, which won the award for Best Debut Documentary at FESPACO and screened at IDFA, follows their preparations, which include navigating a society ravaged by war and getting in shape for the fights—no small feat for the late champion's ageing mates—while showcasing a practice that is as much sports as theater and spiritual practice.

• Katarina Hedrén