Mbanza-Ngungu: filming of a movie about Simon Kimbangu’s pan-Africanism

Kinshasa, March 3^rd, 2026 (CPA).- The pan-Africanism of Congolese prophet Simon Kimbangu (1887-1951) is the subject of a film entitled  » Le combat de Simon Kimbangu » (The Struggle of Simon Kimbangu), which is currently being filmed in Mbanza-Ngungu, in Kongo Central, in the south-west of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the film’s director has indicated on Tuesday to CPA.  « This film aims to present Papa Simon Kimbangu not only as a religious leader, but also as a pioneer in the struggle for Congo’s independence, in the face of the lies of colonial history. It traces his life from his divine mission to liberate the Congolese people and Black people around the world, entrusted to him by Jesus Christ of Nazareth, to his imprisonment, including his miracles and his nationalist and pan-Africanist preaching, » has declared Pitchou Matouasilua, the film’s author. The filmmaker has explained that the project depicts the colonial context, Belgian persecution and Kimbangu’s resistance. ‘I was inspired by the story of Simon Kimbangu through testimonies, particularly those of his three children, to show his pioneering role against Belgian oppression and demonstrate that it was him who has signed the agreements with the Belgian King Leopold II for the independence of our country,’ he has explained. ‘In this film, Simon Kimbangu’s struggle, naively known by many Congolese as the precursor to our country’s independence, my inspiration comes from the need to restore the historical truth in the face of the colonial narrative,’ he has added, specifying that this film is also part of a series of short films on the prophet’s history. Mr Matouasilua seeks to demonstrate that Kimbangu was not a dangerous political rebel, but a divine envoy who had awakened the consciousness against oppression, contempt, injustice and the excesses of white men. « The main message is that the liberation of black men must first come through spiritual awakening before achieving economic and political freedom. (…) Kimbangu’s mission resonates today as a call for sovereignty, pride and mental decolonisation of the African people, » he has concluded. Pitchou Matouasilua is a cultural operator and filmmaker from the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly active in promoting the heritage of the province of Kongo Central.