About the project
Akesi and the Congo River is an animated, educational short documentary series for children between the ages of 6 and 8. The series was inspired by factual, fictional, and mythological narratives belonging to the Congolese people. It is a 3-part show which is set up in the Congo Rainforest, and presents the Congo people’s authentic culture, history, mythology, and how they relate with the natural world.
Akesi and the Congo River introduces children to the Congo Basin, which contains the world’s second-largest rainforest. The star of the documentary is Akesi, a Congolese boy who lives in the capital, Brazzaville, in his coming-of-age adventures in the Congo Rainforest.
His experiences are based on centuries-old Congolese myths and legends, including the representation of his family’s animal totem – the gecko – coming to him at night in his bedroom in Brazaville, and leading him to an adventure of learning and discovery in the Congo rainforest.
He helps communicate these experiences of awakening to himself and to nature to children in other parts of the world. They learn about the animal kingdom, cultural diversity, and biodiversity. Akesi and the Congo River also introduces children to the history of Congo, her mythologies, and legends unique to the region, but with universal themes.
This series will launch on festivals starting the winter of 2021.