Congo Boy, from filmmaker Rafiki Fariala, tells the story of its titular protagonist, Robert (Bradley Fiomona Dembeasset), a teenage Congolese refugee living in the Central African Republic. Some nights, he sneaks into CAR’s nightclubs, hoping for a chance to perform as a rapper/ singer.

But during the daytime, he’s lining up to get UNHCR benefits. Dealing with them isn’t the best. Life in the CAR is difficult, where citizens and refugees compete to get clean water and to get education. Education is important to Robert’s father (Hubert Ngbolo), who wants him to graduate despite everything.

Robert’s family left the Congo for the CAR only for the latter country to go through similar armed skirmishes. Eventually, things get worse, as a rebel shoots Robert’s foot, and his father’s medical condition worsens. But better things are on the horizon, like him passing math exams and him entering music contests.

Congo Boy is good at introducing its viewers to the realistic struggles of the Congolese like Robert. There’s specificity to this world, like Robert’s parents both being in prison because they’re refugees. At least, that’s the presumed reason, but regardless, that leaves him in charge of caring for his siblings.

Congo Boy shows what Western festival viewers may expect in African films set in a more urban landscape. But I suppose that’s what the nightlife scenes are for, the life Robert wants for himself, almost unattainable. Scenes show him trying to juggle being a performer while having to run to take exams the next day.

The juggling act here can be a bit much sometimes, although it does show all facets of CAR life. To put it another way, it shows Robert’s new normal, as it shows attacks from rebels and rainy days. But eventually the sun comes up.