Government Spokesperson Yolande Makolo has hailed the selection of the Rwandan film Ben’Imana at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, calling it a source of national pride and proof of the talent and artistry of Rwandans in cinema.
On May 22, 2026, Makolo wrote on X: “The selection of Ben’Imana in Un Certain Regard is a pride for Rwanda and a confirmation of Rwandan talent and artistry. This work shows how rich our history is and the depth of our stories.”
This marks the first Rwandan-directed film to enter Cannes’ official competition category, following Munyurangabo (2007), which was directed by American filmmaker Lee Isaac Chung.
Director Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo and her team were praised for their dedication and creativity. Makolo thanked them for showcasing Rwanda’s hidden talent on the global stage.
Dusabejambo is already known internationally for short films such as A Place for Myself, Icyasha, Behind the World, and Lyiza, which explore themes of history, human rights, and everyday life.
The 79th Cannes Film Festival ran from May 12–23, 2026, in France, featuring global cinema icons like Pedro Almodóvar, Asghar Farhadi, and Hirokazu Kore‑eda. Ben’Imana was screened on May 19 in the Un Certain Regard category, reserved for films with unique storytelling and artistic vision.