A small time hustler thinks he’s got a big score ahead of him if he can stay out of the way of some underworld rivals in this stylish action drama from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Riva (Patsha Bay Mukana) is a guy who is smart, ambitious and willing to bend the rules, but he hasn't made much of a windfall from his talents until he discovers a secret stockpile of gasoline in Kinshasa. Fuel is hard to find, and Riva knows he can move the gas for a premium price, but he's not the only one who is looking to make some fast money off the petrol. Riva's main rival is Azor (Diplome Amekindra), a local crime kingpin with a fearsome reputation, but Riva gets on his bad side not only by attempting to sell the gasoline before Azor can strike a deal, but by trying to steal away Azor's wife, the very desirable Nora (Manie Malone). The first feature film from writer and director Djo Munga, Viva Riva! earned enthusiastic reviews after its North American premiere at the 2010 Toronto International Film Festival. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi