CONGO BOY, Un Certain Regard

The Cannes Film Festival has announced its 2026 official selection. In the “Un Certain Regard” category, we are pleased to see Rafiki Fariala’s (Ateliers Varan, Central African Republic) latest feature film, CONGO BOY. Following a highly acclaimed debut documentary feature film (Nous étudiants, 83 min, 2022), the director, who trained at Ateliers Varan in the Central African Republic, will present his first feature-length fiction film at the Cannes Film Festival.

Synopsis
Bangui, Central African Republic. Albert is 16 years old and has just discovered the world of music. He is fascinated by this scene and dreams of making a life there, despite the objections of his parents, who are determined to see him pursue higher education. With his musician friends, he lives the carefree life of a young person.

CONGO BOY, fiction, 90 min, 2025

Rafiki Fariala

A Varan film at the Cannes Film Market

At the Cannes Film Market, the film Mare Infinitu (Ateliers Varan, 26', 2025), directed by Alexandra Breznay as part of the latest Varan documentary filmmaking workshop in Bastia, will be presented during a screening honoring Corsican short films supported by the Collectivité de Corse, in partnership with the CNC.

Synopsis
Encounters with people taking a break as they gaze out at the horizon and the infinite sea.

Alexandra Breznay

Ateliers Varan also note the selection, at the Cannes Film Market, of the latest film directed by Mario Piriottu (Ateliers Varan Corsica), Rue Longue.