Five narratives set in colonial Africa in the late 19th century tell stories about a troubled king, a middle-aged Pygmy who works in an upscale hotel, a failed businessman who goes on an expedition, a lost porter, and a young army deserter.

Impressive for its intricate (woolen!) animation and for its piercing insight into colonialism’s cruelty, this short film follows five characters in the Belgian Congo during the 19th century. History’s atrocities are depicted through biting humor, and the result is unsettling yet fascinating.