It is summer 2006 in Kinshasa, Congo, and Martini, Jeannette, Helene and Rosette-four dedicated and outspoken female boxers from the city's ghetto-spar everyday in Tata Rafael stadium, the same stadium where in 1974 Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman. Their coach, former boxer Judex, is struggling to organize a tournament with no money to pay his fighters. But the women box for reasons other than financial gain. For some, it is to defend themselves against abusive partners in a culture of misogyny. For all, boxing is about empowerment. Meanwhile, the fight for the presidency of Congo rages as thousands flock to the stadium for political rallies. The women use the ring to take out their frustrations regarding corrupt presidential candidates. Victoire Terminus is a gripping portrait of a contemporary Congo where hope is still alive for the Kinshasa women who box.
-Shannon Abel