February 16 Son of the Congo screening Film Streams, 1340 Mike Fahey Street 7 p.m. Free Reserve tickets at http://j.mp/1ODZ1fM, the box office or 402-933-0259
As American hoops has taken on a decided international flavor there are players from certain African nations who’ve experienced things their teammates in the States can’t imagine. Serge Ibaka, a native of Congo, is a case in point. The Oklahoma City Thunder star escaped the chaos and violence of his homeland thanks to his talent and hard work. But he’s never forgotten his people or their plight. He makes frequent visits there to do what he can and those encounters with the desperate needs of people who look just like him can be wrenching. That’s the story of this gripping documentary produced by Bill Simmons and ESPN/Grantland (30 for 30) series. Director Adam Hootnick and Omaha Talons Academy founder-director Koang Doluony, who helps fellow Sudanese players in Omaha navigate life and school, will speak after the screening.