MK2 Acquires International Sales Rights for Rwandan Film Ben’Imana Selected for Cannes

French sales company MK2 has acquired international sales rights for the feature film Ben’Imana, directed by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo. The film was selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. com reported that the deal excludes sales in Africa and North America.

Ben’Imana is Dusabejambo’s first feature-length film. The story follows a young woman navigating life in Kigali after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The film explores themes of memory, identity, and societal recovery in post-genocide Rwanda.

MK2, known for handling films such as Anatomy of a Fall and The Worst Person in the World, will manage international distribution for Ben’Imana. The company announced the acquisition ahead of the Cannes market. This move positions the film for potential global screenings and awards consideration.

on Ben’Imana began in 2022 in Kigali, Rwanda.

The film was produced by Rwandan company Exit 74 and co-produced by France’s MK2 Films. Dusabejambo, who previously directed the short film Sugarcane Boy in 2018, wrote the screenplay based on her experiences growing up in Rwanda. The cast includes Rwandan actors such as Bella Bahati in the lead role.

Filming took place over several weeks in urban and rural locations around Kigali. The project received support from the Rwanda Film Fund and international grants.

for Un Certain Regard highlights emerging international cinema at Cannes, which runs from May 14 to 25, 2024.

The section features 20 films, including Ben’Imana as the only Rwandan entry. com noted that the film’s premiere at Cannes could lead to further distribution deals. For Rwandan cinema, this selection marks a milestone in gaining visibility on the global stage.

Rwanda’s film industry has grown since the 1994 genocide, with increasing international collaborations. Next steps include the film’s world premiere at Cannes and subsequent festival circuit appearances. The acquisition by MK2 affects filmmakers, producers, and audiences interested in African stories.

It provides a platform for Dusabejambo’s work to reach wider markets. Stakeholders in the Rwandan film sector may see this as a model for future international partnerships.