The Importance of Being Elegant (2004)

Set to the soundtrack of Papa Wemba's extraordinary music, this outrageous, funny and eye-opening film depicts the underground world of a flamboyant African cult. Papa Wemba is a well-known Congolese singer. He is also a big cheese in Le Sape, the Société des Ambianceurs et Persons Élégants, which translated into English means a society of people who spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes with the motive of making themselves as conspicuously elegant as possible. The film is a splendid evocation of Papa Wemba's music, but it is also an unusual insight into what it means to be an immigrant in contemporary Europe. The sapeur have borrowed from our own culture, creating something rich and strange and wholly Congolese. Don't miss the scene where they try on fur coats.

Director: George Amponsah, Cosima Spender
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 70 min
Release Date:

Cast

Editing: Valerio Bonelli
Production: October Films, Dominant 7
Country: United Kingdom
Language: Français, Lingala
Budget: $250,000
Original Language: fr
More Films by Director: George Amponsah, Cosima Spender
More Films in Genre: Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Importance of Being Elegant about?
Set to the soundtrack of Papa Wemba's extraordinary music, this outrageous, funny and eye-opening film depicts the underground world of a flamboyant African cult. Papa Wemba is a well-known Congolese singer. He is also a big cheese in Le Sape, the Société des Ambianceurs et Persons Élégants, which translated into English means a society of people who spend huge amounts of money on designer clothes with the motive of making themselves as conspicuously elegant as possible. The film is a splendid evocation of Papa Wemba's music, but it is also an unusual insight into what it means to be an immigrant in contemporary Europe. The sapeur have borrowed from our own culture, creating something rich and strange and wholly Congolese. Don't miss the scene where they try on fur coats.
Who directed The Importance of Being Elegant?
The Importance of Being Elegant was directed by George Amponsah, Cosima Spender.
Who stars in The Importance of Being Elegant?
The Importance of Being Elegant stars Papa Wemba, Anti-Gigolo, Archibishop of La Sape, Mere Malou, Minister of the Budget, Minister of the Attack.
How long is The Importance of Being Elegant?
The Importance of Being Elegant has a runtime of 1h 10m (70 minutes).
What genre is The Importance of Being Elegant?
The Importance of Being Elegant is a Documentary film.
What is the budget of The Importance of Being Elegant?
The Importance of Being Elegant had a budget of $250,000.
Where was The Importance of Being Elegant produced?
The Importance of Being Elegant was produced in United Kingdom.