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Rwandan Drama Debuts at Cannes
10 Apr
Summary
- First Rwandan director's feature in Cannes Official Selection.
- Film centers on genocide survivor Vénéranda's justice work.
- Features non-professional actors in a decade-long production.
Ben'Imana, a groundbreaking post-genocide drama from Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, is set to premiere at Cannes Un Certain Regard in May. This marks the first feature film by a Rwandan director to be selected for Cannes Official Selection.
The narrative unfolds in Rwanda in 2012, centering on Vénéranda, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. She is actively engaged in community-led justice and reconciliation efforts. However, amidst professional pressures, a personal family crisis compels her to re-evaluate her principles.
Produced by Ejo Cine.Ltd, Princesse M Prod, Les Films du Bilboquet, and Duo Film, the film is an African majority co-production. It was developed over a decade and cast almost entirely with non-professional actors. Director Dusabejambo previously explored the genocide's aftermath in her short film Lyiza.
