Rwandan Film 'Ben'Imana' Makes Cannes History
Why it matters: This film's Cannes selection marks a historic first for a Rwandan director in the festival's Official Selection.
- mk2 Films has acquired sales rights for 'Ben'Imana', a Rwandan post-genocide drama, ahead of its Cannes Un Certain Regard premiere.
- Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo's 'Ben'Imana' is the first feature film by a Rwandan director to be selected for Cannes Official Selection, marking a historic moment.
- Emmanuel Pisarra, Head of Acquisitions at mk2 Films, praises Dusabejambo's vision and ability to capture the complexity of history living in the present through women rebuilding their lives.
- The film focuses on Vénéranda, a 1994 genocide survivor navigating community reconciliation and personal crisis, featuring a cast almost entirely of non-professional actors.
- 'Ben'Imana' is an African majority co-production involving Ejo Cine.Ltd (Rwanda), Princesse M Prod (Gabon), Les Films du Bilboquet (France), and Duo Film (Norway).
Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo's 'Ben'Imana' makes history as the first feature by a Rwandan director selected for Cannes Official Selection, with mk2 Films boarding sales ahead of its Un Certain Regard world premiere. The film, a decade in the making, explores post-genocide justice and reconciliation through the intimate stories of women rebuilding their lives in Rwanda.
