LUMUMBA (2000, Congo, 115 min.), directed by Raoul Peck; screenplay by Pascal Bonitzer; cinematography by Bernard Lutic;  edited by Jacques Comets; music by Jean-Claude Petit; with Eriq Ebouaney (Patrice Lumumba), Alex Descas (Joseph Mobutu), Maka Kotto (Joseph Kasavubu, the President), Théophile Sowie (Maurice Mpolo), Dieudonné Kabongo (Godefroid Munungo), Oumar Diop Makena (Thomas Kanza), Mariam Kaba (Pauline Lumumba).  In French with English subtitles.

 

Please jot down responses to these questions on this sheet.  You do not need to answer any at length.

 

1.         Discuss the film’s opening credit sequence.  What becomes established right away in these opening moments?

 

 

 

 

2.         Then, after the credits have rolled, we get images of Lumumba’s body being disposed of by the Belgian thugs.  Discuss this scene.  Why open with Lumumba already dead?

 

 

 

 

3.         The film has an overlay of voice-over narration by Lumumba.  What does the narration give us?

 

 

 

 

4.         The first dramatic sequence in the film involves a conflict between Lumumba and his opponents from resource-rich Katanga province.  This conflict with the men from Katanga, and the problem of Katanga’s status, remains an important part of the film all the way until the end.  Discuss the role of Katanga in the film.

 

 

 

 

5.         Discuss the character of Patrice Lumumba.  First, how would you describe him physically (his appearance, his dress, the way he holds himself, the way that he communicates with others)?

 

 

 

 

6.         Now, how would you characterize his political agenda?

7.         Discuss Lumumba’s development as a character.  How does he react to the increasing pressure that he is under?

 

 

 

 

8.         Discuss the relationship between Lumumba and his family.

 

 

 

 

9.         One of the central oppositions in the film is between Lumumba and Joseph Mobutu.  How do they differ? 

 

 

 

 

10.       How does the film portray the Belgians?  Think of the King’s speech, as well as the statements by the Belgian minister and general.

 

 

 

 

11.       This film also points to U.S. complicity in the fate of Lumumba.  What do we see regarding that?

 

 

 

 

12.       Discuss the use of music in shaping our reactions.

 

 

 

 

13.       Discuss the film’s ending.

 

 

 

 

14.       What do you come away from this film with?  What relevance does the story and legacy of Patrice Lumumba have to us today?

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