Ma Mama

Synopsis :

Two lovers explore a marvellous world to a background of a wonderfully gentle music…

Benshi's review :

Katy Wang previously drew acclaim for Forests, for which the images were conceived from a musical universe, and for this film she creates a visual showcase for a track by the group Toto Bona Lokua. To draw these stylised round forms, the director took inspiration from the motifs and colours of ancient African fabrics (in particular the Kuba textiles made in Congo, the country from which one of the musicians, Lokua Kanza, comes).

On the road two characters who are in love with each other explore the constantly-changing landscapes and we meet a gigantic red feline, a herd of black elephants with elegantly swaying hips, smiling and singing masks, and much more. These images, combined with the soft, rhythmic music of the three musicians, who mix their respective voices and languages, form a colourful and enchanting universe that incite us to dream… or to dance?

Suitable for :

Thanks to its soothing swathes of colour and its wonderful animals, this very short film is suitable for preschool children from age 2.

Top reasons to watch the film :

  1. The beauty of the motifs and colours inspired by African fabrics
  2. The gentleness of the music and the voices of the group Toto Bona Lokua
  3. The tranquil, dream-like atmosphere

Additional information :

Kuba textiles When designing the motifs that come alive and change throughout the film, Katy Wang took inspiration from these fabrics unique to the Democratic Republic of Congo. They are made from raffia cloth before being enhanced by embroidered geometric shapes. They are named after the Kuba kingdom, where they were traditionally made.

The group Toto Bona Lokua The trio who composed the music consists of the Martinque artist Gerald Toto, Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and the Congolese multi-instrumentalist Lokua Kanza. They wrote their first album in 2004 and, a mere 13 years later (since they were busy with their respective solo careers) they released a second in 2017 called Bondeko, meaning “friendship” or “fraternity” in Lingala. The song "Ma Mama", after which this film is named, is a lovely and gentle number that makes the film ideal for young ears; and the beautiful album is absolutely worth listening to in its entirety.

  • Keywords :

  • Africa
  • Animals
  • Dance
  • Sea
  • Music
  • Nature
  • Travel