Koko Suzanne

A short Lingala-speaking drama directed by Zach Bandler, written by Bandler and Emmanuel Epenge and starring Alphie Lotawa, Clothilde Masele Liluku, Flavien Muaba Assani and Emie Mokonzi.

Based on true events, this film was shot in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a cast that consisted of Congolese people.

Prisca (Lotawa) lives with in Kinshasa, in relative poverty, with her parents, Jean-Pierre and Vanessa (Assani and Mokonzi) and her grandmother, Suzanne (Liluku). Suzanne has been behaving very erratically, causing Prisca's parents to believe that she might be under the influence of witchcraft. This theory proves to be false when the poor woman is taken to the hospital where she is diagnosed with dementia.

This heartbreaking story is told primarily through the eyes of Prisca, a little girl whose childhood innocence is pushed aside as she witnesses her beloved granny gradually deteriorate, behaving in a variety of incoherent ways, such as attending the local market in order to purchase unneeded charcoal, easily losing her temper or accusing her relatives of trying to harm her. Although things are seen through Prisca's perspective, it is Suzanne who gets the spotlight because of what she is going through and what she is going through is the core of this film: the effects of dementia. From the beginning, right until the devastating ending, Suzanne's condition gets worse and worse and it is not just her who suffers, it is also Prisca and her parents.

Bandler directs beautifully and his work is primarily visible in the establishing shots. The dramatic atmosphere is enhanced by Charles Humenry's sombre but beautiful music.

Since this short concerns dementia to a high degree and Liluku's character is the one who has it, her performance is crucial in order for the film to deliver its messages and she succeeds oustandingly in portraying a person suffering from this condition. As Prisca, Lotawa is quite dramatic as grandchild forced to witness a relative going through terrible times. Although Prisca barely speaks, the emotional pain that she is experiencing is very evident. Adding to the drama are Vanessa and Jean-Pierre, who are struggling to deal with the situation.

This short serves as a commentary about the healthcare system of Congo and theories involving witchcraft. What it concentrates on the most is dementia, how it affects those who have it and how it also affects their loved ones.

A poignant short drama about dementia and family. As well as telling a meaningful story, this film aims to acknowledge Dr. Emmanuel Epenge's (one of Congo's few neurologists) efforts to raise awareness and provide support to the families of people living with dementia.