The film Ben’Imana has been selected for the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, specifically in the prestigious “Un Certain Regard” section, dedicated to distinctive storytelling and emerging voices in world cinema.
Written by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, the film stands among the most accomplished productions made in Rwanda to reach this level.
In a brief interview with IGIHE, she expressed her excitement:
“It is a great joy because, for the first time in the history of Rwandan cinema, a film made entirely in Rwanda has reached the level of Cannes. It is a project I have worked on for a long time, I have grown with it over the past 10 years before its release.”
This marks the first time a film directed by a Rwandan woman has been selected in the festival’s official lineup, offering strong hope for the continued growth of Rwanda’s film industry.
The film tells the story of Veneranda, a survivor of the Genocide against the Tutsi, who struggles to rebuild her life while coping with deep trauma from her past.
Through this narrative, the filmmaker explores powerful themes such as memory, resilience, and intergenerational transmission.
The selection of Ben’Imana in the “Un Certain Regard” section reflects the festival’s continued interest in original stories from countries whose film industries are still emerging.
This section is well known for discovering new talent and showcasing films that bring fresh social and cultural perspectives.
Beyond being selected, Ben’Imana will also open the “Un Certain Regard” section.
A delegation of 12 people from Rwanda will represent the film on May 19 — a key moment at Cannes, during the iconic red carpet ceremony known in French as the “montée des marches,” followed by the film’s official premiere before an audience of international press and leading figures in global cinema.
Ben’Imana also carries a strong pan-African dimension. It is co-produced by Gabonese producer Samantha Biffot, alongside Rwandan and international partners.
This collaboration highlights the growing strength of African film cooperation.
Beyond its artistic value, the film’s selection confirms the rise of an ambitious Rwandan cinema, one capable of telling universal stories while remaining deeply rooted in its own history and truth.
karirima@igihe.com
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