Twenty-four-year-old Serge Ibaka’s improbable journey has taken him from the war-torn streets of Congo to the top echelon of the NBA. In Son of the Congo, Ibaka returns home to recount the poignant story of his childhood and confront a stark reality faced by a new generation of Congolese youth. Not content to settle for photo ops, Ibaka revisits the neighborhoods where he once slept in empty lots and practiced basketball without shoes. With grace and generosity, Ibaka receives and supports an endless stream of friends and strangers who hope he can change their lives. The odds are long, but Ibaka shares an unshakeable faith that a better future is only possible if you never stop trying.

Director: Adam Hootnick

Executive Producer: Persis Koch, Eric Berkowitz, Ned Brown, For ESPN: John Dahl, David Jacoby, Connor Schell, Dan Silver, Bill Simmons

Producer: Adam Hootnick, Co-Producers: Susan Bridgett, Eve Rodrick, Andrea Theodore, Post Producer: Melissa Fornabaio

Screenwriter: Adam Hootnick

Cinematographer: Directors of Photography: Boaz Freund, Rob Hauer

Editor: M. Brennan

Sound Designer: Justin Kooy, Sound Lounge

Music: Jon Lee, Nikhil Yerawadekar

Additional Credits: Production Managers: Elizabeth Durkee, Lauri McCarthy, Assistant Editors: Vance Tucker, Shawn Gauvin, Misha Kozlov, Colorist: Roman Hankewycz, Harbor Picture Company, Camera Assistants: Adam Gonzalez, Justin Wong, Production Sound: Chad Sonenberg

Principal Cast: Serge Ibaka, Jordi Vilà Sánchez, Pere Gallego Castella, Benis Ricardo Ngambu, Ranie Ibaka, Mémé Titi Christine Okito

Adam Hootnick is an Austin-based director/producer. His documentaries include UNSETTLED (Slamdance Grand Jury Prize), Judging Jewell (ESPN 30 for 30), and Pro Day (ESPN/Grantland). His music videos include Black Taxi’s “Shoeshine” (Webby Award Honoree) and Deadbeat Darling’s “Surf India.” Adam is currently developing his first narrative feature.

Public Film Contact
Persis Koch
Humble
persis@humble.tv
(646) 435-9500

Publicity Contact
Danny Chi
Danny.C.Chi@espn.com