{"id":25451,"date":"2026-03-16T20:23:58","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=25451"},"modified":"2026-03-16T20:23:58","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T18:23:58","slug":"ama-qamata-steals-the-show-at-congo-premiere-of-empowering-film-fight-like-a-girl","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/ama-qamata-steals-the-show-at-congo-premiere-of-empowering-film-fight-like-a-girl\/","title":{"rendered":"Ama Qamata Steals the Show at Congo Premiere of Empowering Film ‘Fight Like a Girl’"},"content":{"rendered":"
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South African actress and producer Ama Qamata emerged as a prominent figure at the Democratic Republic of Congo’s premiere of the film Fight Like a Girl, which took place in Kinshasa over the weekend.This film’s debut featured two screenings on March 7 and 8, attracting various attendees such as government officials, industry professionals, cultural figures, and members of the community who came together to honor a narrative focused on resilience and women’s empowerment.<\/p>\n

Timed to coincide with International Women\u2019s Day, the event also served as part of a broader initiative led by the first lady of the DRC aimed at raising awareness about and addressing gender-based violence.<\/p>\n

Attendance included multiple ministers and high-ranking officials, underscoring the project’s importance and its underlying message.<\/p>\n

In Fight Like a Girl<\/em>, Qamata stars opposite veteran actor Hakeem Kae-Kazim. The film revolves around a young woman from Congo who escapes forced labor at an illegal mining site and seeks to rebuild her life by taking up boxing.<\/p>\n

Her journey brings her to an all-women\u2019s boxing club in Goma, where she discovers strength and healing under the mentorship of a coach portrayed by Kae-Kazim.<\/p>\n

Qamata reflected on filming in Congo, characterizing the experience as profoundly impactful.<\/p>\n

\u201cFilming Fight Like a Girl in Congo was one of the most powerful experiences of my career,\u201d she stated.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis story is about resilience, courage, and the strength of women who refuse to be defined by their circumstances. I hope audiences see the beauty, strength, and spirit of the Congolese people through this film.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kae-Kazim expressed similar thoughts, noting that the film’s message extends beyond mere entertainment.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis film is about hope and transformation. The journey these women go through shows how sport can rebuild confidence and restore dignity. Being able to tell this story in Congo, surrounded by the communities that inspired it, made it even more meaningful.\u201d<\/p>\n

Matthew Leutwyler wrote and directed the film, which is based on a real women’s boxing club that has been documented by filmmakers for over five years.<\/p>\n

Members of this club also make appearances in the movie, enhancing its authenticity.<\/p>\n

The cast includes Malaika Uwamahoro, Kennedy Mazimpaka, and Arthur Nkusi, with Congolese boxing champion Clarck Ntambwe making her acting debut.<\/p>\n

Production was managed by Anton Laines and Leutwyler under KG28Media, with contributions from producer Yvette Davis Gayle and executive producer Colin Gayle through Africa Creative Agency.<\/p>\n

Serge Ibaka, a Congolese basketball player and NBA champion with the Toronto Raptors, also participated as an executive producer through Ouenz\u00e9 Entertainment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n