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On the Rumba River

Play trailer Poster for On the Rumba River 2008 1h 22m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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85% Tomatometer 13 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Filmmaker Jacques Sasin pays tribute to revered Congolese musician Papa Wendo and documents a 2004 reunion concert featuring many of Wendo's former bandmates.

Critics Reviews

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Nick Schager Cinematical 06/07/2008
Makes up for its lack of informational depth with stirring poignancy. Go to Full Review Noel Murray AV Club 06/06/2008
B
Mostly On The Rumba River works best when it sticks to the musical performances, which Sarin films in lengthy scenes built from extreme close-ups of lips, fingers and sweaty skin. Go to Full Review Lou Lumenick New York Post 06/06/2008
2/4
Delightful music alternates with too-brief interviews with Wendo and his colleagues. On the Rumba River cries out for narration to help viewers understand the tragic context of his life. Go to Full Review Nora Lee Mandel Film-Forward.com 12/07/2008
7/10
Rambling, but gloriously celebrates the triumph of the talents and art of old men even in the most deprived and depressing of circumstances. Go to Full Review Maitland McDonagh TV Guide 06/06/2008
2.5/4
Like The Buena Vista Social Club, to which it has been compared, the film's great strength is its performance footage. Go to Full Review Read all reviews
On the Rumba River

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Cast & Crew

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Jacques Sarasin

Director

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On the Rumba River

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Movie Info

Synopsis Filmmaker Jacques Sasin pays tribute to revered Congolese musician Papa Wendo and documents a 2004 reunion concert featuring many of Wendo's former bandmates.
Director
Jacques Sarasin
Distributor
First Run
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
Canadian French
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 6, 2008, Limited
Release Date (DVD)
Oct 21, 2008
Box Office (Gross USA)
$1.2K
Runtime
1h 22m