Kinshasa is a city of silky smooth and pulsating nightlife, always ready to go on forever. The happy few who have it all live the high life, never looking back on those who have nothing and live in envy, dreaming of their turn as kings and queens of the night. Riva is one of those dreamers who had nothing, until he returned from ten years away, his pockets full of cash and determined to have the time of his life. With his old pal, J.M., he sets out for a night of drink, dance and debauchery.
Queen of the night, mysterious, distant beauty, Nora's dance transfixes Riva. No matter that she belongs to a local gangster, Riva must have her. Could this be something real? The money Riva is spending belongs to his old boss in Angola who, in hot pursuit, wreaks bloody havoc every step of his way through town to find Riva. The dream becomes a nightmare, as Riva suffers the cold light of day – and his glory time runs out in a sordid pit on the edge of town.
Official Selection, Toronto International Film Festival, 2010
Official Selection, Belinale (Forum), 2011
Best Film, Viva Riva!, African Movie Academy Awards, 2011
Best Director: Djo Tunda wa Munga, African Movie Academy Awards, 2011
Best Cinematography: Antoine Roch, African Movie Academy Awards, 2011
Best Production Design: Philippe Van Herwijnen, African Movie Academy Awards 2011
Best Supporting Actor: Hoji Fortuna, African Movie Academy Awards 2011
Best Supporting Actress: Marlene Longage, African Movie Academy Awards 2011
Best Feature Film, Pan African Film Festival, Los Angeles, 2011
Best African Movie, MTV Movie Awards, 2011
Best Feature Film Award, Africa in The Picture (AITP) Festival, 2011