Crowds of youngsters gather at Yole Africa headquarters to see the dance battles. Some climb walls and rooftops for better views and cheer for their favorite crews while a jury awards points to each crew according to their performance.

Crowds of youngsters gather at Yole Africa headquarters to see the dance battles. Some climb walls and rooftops for better views and cheer for their favorite crews while a jury awards points to each crew according to their performance.

Young but experienced dancers deliver dance exhibitions for the crowd showcasing acrobatic break-dance moves.

Young but experienced dancers deliver dance exhibitions for the crowd showcasing acrobatic break-dance moves.

A dancer is dressed in the style of the Congolese sapeurs, an urban movement popular in the capital Kinshasa conformed by men who dress up in elegant and expensive old-fashioned clothes. Style plays a major role in event involving the youth in Goma, who put big efforts to sport their best clothes, accessories and haircuts.

Dancer Jacques Hulaire poses in front of a mural of American activist Angela Davis at Yole Africa headquarters. Dance and arts represent an alternative lifestyle for many youngsters who have been part of armed groups or who are at risk of joining one. Festivals like SKIFF show that filmmaking and dance battles also have the potential of changing perceptions of Goma, from a war-torn city to a cultural capital in the region.

A dancer poses showing his original hairstyle, an important identity statement among the youth.

A dancer poses showing his original hairstyle, an important identity statement among the youth.

A young but veteran Goma break-dancer poses for a portrait. His dance crew is widely recognized in Goma and has performed in dance competitions in other African countries representing the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During an evening activity at SKIFF a young poet improvises verses around the fire, following the region’s traditional of oral storytelling.

Yannick, an aspiring filmmaker, uses a traditional drum to add intensity to the stories and poems told around the fire during an evening activity at the Salaam Kivu International Film Festival.

A fashion show takes place at a hotel on the shores of Lake Kivu showcasing the product of a workshop with Congolese-American designer Eric Ndelo.

Samuel Yagase, community leader from Kisangani, is cheered by young people who have been inspired by his work at SKIFF. Mr Yagase believes that people who have suffered the consequences of the armed conflict in DRC should not be victimized, but rather empowered to help society move forward through community work.

A dance crew rehearses their choreographic moves in preparation for the dance competition.

A member of a dance group in backstage ready to perform. The members of the crew are painting their bodies with the colors of the Congolese flag.

A young dancer stretches and warms up before the battle.

Several thousands attend the dance finals at a local sports ground in central Goma. Many kids climb on trees, rooftops and shipping containers to get better views of the performers.

Dance crews show off their best moves at the dance battle finals at SKIFF.

A young dancer, recognized among his peers for his talent and intense performances, delivers a powerful performance at the dance battle finals.