The screening took place on May 19, 2026, and was attended by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth and Arts Development, Sandrine Umutoni, as well as Rwanda’s Ambassador to France, François Nkulikiyimfura.
Among the attendees were cast members of Ben’Imana, including Clémentine Uwimana Nyirinkindi, popularly known as Marigarita in Papa Sava. In Ben’Imana, she plays the character Veneranda.
Other cast members present included Isabelle Kabano, Nishimwe Kesia Kelly, Uwabeza Léocadie (known as Nyiragitariro), Uwamahoro Antoinette (popularly known as Siperansiya in Seburikoko), and Tuyisenge Aimé Valens.
The film was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at the 79th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, where it was officially showcased. This section highlights films with unique storytelling styles and is particularly known for recognising emerging cinematic voices.
Ben’Imana becomes the first film directed by a Rwandan filmmaker to be selected in this category. The only other Rwandan-related selection previously noted at Cannes is Munyarugabo (2007), directed by American filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung.
The film’s plot centres on Veneranda, a survivor of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and community mediator whose stability is disrupted when her teenage daughter becomes unexpectedly pregnant. This crisis forces her to confront painful memories from her past, movingly exploring themes of deep forgiveness, intergenerational trauma, and the difficult path to true reconciliation.
Beyond Ben’Imana, Dusabejambo is also known for other works, including A Place for Myself, Icyasha, Behind the World, and Lyiza.
Ben’Imana was produced by Ivorian filmmaker Samantha Biffot, in collaboration with Rwandan producer Uwayezu Marie Epiphanie and Egyptian filmmaker Mostafa El Kashef.
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