L’Arbre de l’Authenticité

Scientific records about nature in the Congo Basin are found in Yangambi, a biological research station from the Belgian colonial era. They show, among other things, how trees react to climate change. The Congolese rainforests play a central role in the global climate balance: ‘My children will become workers in a new climate economy,’ whispers Lileko, the tree of authenticity at the end of the film. Photographer and video artist Sammy Baloji gives the trees a voice with poetic text and immersive soundscapes. Divided into three chapters, the film essay takes a critical look at Belgium’s colonial past and the ecological significance of the DR Congo today.