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MÉDUSE, CHEVEUX AFRO ET AUTRES MYTHES
Dir. Johanna Makabi, 2018, 19 min.

BANDEKO BASI
Dir. Bie Michels & Paul Shemisi, 2025, 65 min.

MÉDUSE: From London to Paris, ending in Marseille, we set out in search of various salons to film different styles and techniques of hairstyling: cornrows, flat braids, sleek braids, weaves, relaxers, afros... Along the way, through encounters and conversations with passersby and hairdressers, we explore the importance of hair care and maintenance in black and African cultures. Through the stories of Romy, Cyn, Kami, and Louise, we follow their “hair journeys,” which ultimately turn out to be more political than aesthetic.

BANDEKO BASI: Filmmakers Paul Shemisi and Bie Michels explore the everyday realities of women in Kinshasa as they navigate the complex intersection of tradition, modernity, and female sexual identity. At the heart of the film is activist Hana Kele (known as HanaKel), whose candid reflections and social media presence challenge taboos and spark open conversations about gender and sexuality. Rather than presenting a structured sociological analysis, the film offers a mosaic of voices – women, queer individuals, and others – captured through spontaneous, intimate encounters that reflect the city’s vibrant, layered perspectives. With its fluid camera work and collaborative approach, Bandeko Basi is a living dialogue, shaped by the filmmakers' own post-colonial backgrounds and the intimate viewpoints of Congolese women.

Post-screening discussion with filmmaker Bie Michels