The Cannes Film Festival is a historic place that has witnessed multiple memorable moments and achievements in the world of cinema. This year, it will witness yet another crucial moment for African cinema when two filmmakers, Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo and Rafiki Fariala, from growing film industries, enter the festival’s official selection for the first time. Dusabejambo’s Ben’Imana and Fariala’s Congo Boy will be featured at the festival.

This is a much-awaited representation of African cinema on such a prestigious global platform.

Both Ben’Imana and Congo Boy will premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking of Congo Boy’s director, Rafiki Fariala, previously had his documentary, We, Students! as the first feature from the Central African Republic to play at the Berlinale. And now he returns with Congo Boy to the Cannes film festival. 

The movie is about a 17-year-old Congolese refugee, Robert, pursuing his dream of making a career in music while his country is torn apart by civil war. The movie used mostly non-professional actors and even real soldiers for some scenes, just as director Fariala wanted. The film took years to make, and the time and effort seem to have finally paid off.

The second selection for the festival, Ben'Imana is directed by Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo, who also directed the short drama film Lyiza. Ben'Imana, is set in Rwanda in 2012 and follows Vénéranda, a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. This movie also stars mostly non-professional actors to convey a deeply moving story.

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Clearly, this is just the beginning of representation of more films from the African Film Industries. Along with these two notable films, the festival will also shine the spotlight brilliant selections for Directors’ Fortnight.

Butterfly Jam, by director Kantemir Balagov

Once Upon a Time in Harlem by William Greaves & David Greaves

Femme De Chambre  (The Diary of a Chambermaid) by Radu Jude

Dora by July Jung

Gabin by Maxence Voiseux

Clarissa by Arie Esiri and Chuko Esiri

L’espèce Explosive (Too Many Beasts) by Sarah Arnold

Low Expectations by Eivind Landsvik

Double Freedom by Lisandro Alonso

We Are Aliens by Kohei Kadowaki

Merci D’être Venu (Thanks for Coming) by Alain Cavalier 

I See Buildings Fall Like Lighting by Clio Barnard

Atonement by Reed Van Dyk

Shana by De Lila Pinell

Death Has No Master by Jorge Thielen Armand

Carmen, L’oiseau Rebelle by Sébastien Laudenbach

9 Temples to Heaven by Sompot Chidgasornpongse

Le Vertige by Quentin Dupieux

These is the official line-up of films which is set to feature this year. Having started decades ago, once again this new line-up will honor both new and experienced directors and storytellers for their unique approach to cinema. It is safe to say that Cannes keeps getting bigger and much grander every year.

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What do you think about Ben’Imana and Congo Boy for Cannes Film festival this year? Share your take.