We, Students!

Nestor, Aaron, Benjamin and Rafiki are economics undergraduates at the University of Bangui, Central African Republic. Navigating between the overcrowded classrooms, the petty trades that allow students to survive, bribery lurking everywhere, Rafiki shows us what students' lives are like in the Central African Republic, a shattered society where the youth keep dreaming for a brighter future for their country. Through director Rafiki Fariala's lens, the film captures their fight against societal pressures and aspirations to reshape their nation. It delves into challenges like sexual harassment, corruption, and poor living conditions on campus, offering a raw glimpse into student life in a war-torn region. Critically acclaimed, the documentary is lauded for its intimate portrayal of Bangui's millennials. It effectively presents systemic issues through the personal experiences of its characters. The film's strength lies in showcasing complex issues alongside the friendships and artistic paths of its subjects. WE, STUDENTS! is an authentic representation of student life, marked by emotional depth and resilience. It's a narrative not just of academic struggles but of youth hope and determination for change in the Central African Republic. Fariala's debut is a poignant exploration of the challenges and dreams of a generation poised to shape their country's future.

Keywords

  • Award Winning
  • Creatives: Debut Films
  • Exclusive Docs: New Perspectives
  • Sooner Exclusives
  • Africa
  • corruption
  • education
  • friendship

Actors

  • Nestor Ngbandi Ngouyou
  • Aaron Koyasukpengo
  • Benjamin Kongbo Sombot
  • Rafiki Fariala

Director

  • Rafiki Fariala

Documentary


1h 23min


16+

FR


ES

SV

IT

PT

EN

DE

Central African Republic
Congo
France
2022
Rafiki Fariala's debut explores student life in Bangui, revealing hopes amid challenges in the Central African Republic.

Rafiki Fariala's debut explores student life in Bangui, revealing hopes amid challenges in the Central African Republic.


Nestor, Aaron, Benjamin and Rafiki are economics undergraduates at the University of Bangui, Central African Republic. Navigating between the overcrowded classrooms, the petty trades that allow students to survive, bribery lurking everywhere, Rafiki shows us what students' lives are like in the Central African Republic, a shattered society where the youth keep dreaming for a brighter future for their country.


Through director Rafiki Fariala's lens, the film captures their fight against societal pressures and aspirations to reshape their nation. It delves into challenges like sexual harassment, corruption, and poor living conditions on campus, offering a raw glimpse into student life in a war-torn region.


Critically acclaimed, the documentary is lauded for its intimate portrayal of Bangui's millennials. It effectively presents systemic issues through the personal experiences of its characters. The film's strength lies in showcasing complex issues alongside the friendships and artistic paths of its subjects.


WE, STUDENTS! is an authentic representation of student life, marked by emotional depth and resilience. It's a narrative not just of academic struggles but of youth hope and determination for change in the Central African Republic. Fariala's debut is a poignant exploration of the challenges and dreams of a generation poised to shape their country's future.

Festivals

Cast & Crew