The name Dancing Spirits is inspired by the animistic beliefs of the Bayaka people, who see the forest alive with spirits revealed through nocturnal dances and runs punctuated by rhythmic drumbeats. In the Republic of Congo, where 60% of the land is covered by rainforest, the government has divided it between logging companies and national parks, posing challenges for the local population's livelihoods.

Indigenous groups like the Bayaka, who rely on the forest for their traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle, face marginalization as their territories are disturbed by industrial activities. This disruption jeopardizes their food security. In rural areas, bushmeat stands as the primary source of animal protein. It is considered a free source of protein because the animal can be captured rather than purchased. As such, it plays an essential role in the diet of the population in rural communities.

However, the increasing demand for bushmeat from growing urban populations exacerbates the pressure on these communities, leading to overhunting and depletion of wildlife resources.