Mk2 Films Boards Rwandan Drama Ben’Imana as First National Feature in Cannes History

Marie,Clémentine Dusabejambo’s Ben’Imana becomes Rwanda’s first Cannes Official Selection. Mk2 Films boards sales for the historic post,genocide drama.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 10, 2026, 9:10 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Deadline

A Historic Entry into the Global Cinematic Elite

The selection of Marie,Clémentine Dusabejambo’s Ben’Imana for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes represents a transformative moment for East African cinema. By becoming the first Rwandan directed feature to enter the Official Selection, the film breaks a long standing barrier at the world’s most prestigious film festival. This achievement follows a decade of development, signaling a shift in how international festivals engage with authentic African narratives. According to Emmanuel Pisarra, Head of Acquisitions at mk2 Films, the filmmaker possesses a vision and heart that refuses to simplify complex human experiences.

The Economic Weight of African Majority Co-Productions

Beyond its cultural significance, the project serves as a model for sustainable African filmmaking through its diverse funding structure. Produced primarily by Rwanda’s Ejo Cine.Ltd and Gabon’s Princesse M Prod, the film also draws on European co-production support from French and Norwegian partners. This collaborative financial framework allowed Dusabejambo a ten year production cycle to refine a story that utilizes a cast of almost entirely non,professional actors. The involvement of mk2 Films provides the necessary commercial infrastructure to transition the film from a festival highlight to a global market asset.

Navigating the Internal Landscapes of Reconciliation

The narrative centers on the year 2012, focusing on a woman named Vénéranda who survived the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Rather than a traditional historical reenactment, the screenplay explores the psychological toll of community led justice and the personal limits of forgiveness. As Vénéranda manages the heavy expectations of reconciliation work, her own family unit begins to fracture, forcing a confrontation between her public convictions and private reality. The film prioritizes an intimate gaze on women who are actively participating in the reconstruction of their society.