Critics reviews

Hamadi’s cinema is admirable for its patience in constructing the complicated and often competing narratives of effecting change.

Hamadi’s economy of means and narrative produces a fleet cross-section of revolt and counterrevolt in action, with no time for false cheer.

Makambo begins with a shot that lets you know a filmmaker with real visual chops is working via the kind of composed flourish that won’t be possible later: exterior shot, house, doorway cover flapping in the breeze.

It’s a rarity among present “issue docs” for how well it trusts viewers to catch up to a fast-unraveling situation, but also hinges on a fascinating irresolution: the outcome of Ben and Jean-Marie’s grassroots organizing remains unclear, as this is ultimately a tragedy about people struggling under a power that remains congealed at an unreachable top.