MK2 Boards Rwandan Film ‘Ben Imana’ Chosen for Cannes
Rwandan Film "Ben’Imana" to Premiere at Cannes
Mk2 Films has announced its acquisition of sales rights for Ben’Imana, a post-genocide drama by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, ahead of the film’s world premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard in May. This marks a significant milestone, as it is the first feature by a Rwandan director to be included in the official Cannes selection.
Set in Rwanda in 2012, Ben’Imana centers on Vénéranda, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi, who actively participates in community-led justice and reconciliation efforts. As she faces increasing pressure in her professional life, a personal family crisis compels her to reassess her beliefs. The film intricately portrays women navigating the challenges of rebuilding their lives amidst the shadows of their shared history.
Emmanuel Pisarra, Head of Acquisitions at mk2 Films, praised Dusabejambo’s compelling vision, stating, “The confidence of Marie-Clémentine’s gaze, and her ability to hold complexity without ever reducing it marks the arrival of a filmmaker with vision and heart.”
Ben’Imana aims to illustrate how the past intertwines with the present and highlights women’s resilience in moving forward. Dusabejambo’s work is celebrated for its emotional depth, resonating with contemporary audiences.
A decade in the making, Ben’Imana boasts an African majority co-production and features a cast primarily composed of non-professional actors. The film is produced by Ejo Cine.Ltd (Rwanda), Princesse M Prod (Gabon), in collaboration with Les Films du Bilboquet (France) and Duo Film (Norway).
Dusabejambo, along with producer Samantha Biffot, previously attended Cannes in 2022, where they introduced the project at La Fabrique Cinéma. The director has explored the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide in her short film Lyiza, which was showcased at the Tribeca Film Festival.
In addition to Ben’Imana, mk2 Films will present multiple titles in this year’s Cannes Official Competition, including Gentle Monster by Marie Kreutzer, The Birthday Party by Léa Mysius, Minotaur by Andrey Zvyagintsev, The Man I Love by Ira Sachs, and Nagi Notes by Koji Fukada.
