Three African productions have been selected for Un Certain Regard at the 79th Cannes Film Festival (12–23 May 2026), marking significant continental representation in the prestigious sidebar:
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CONGO BOY by Rafiki Fariala (Central African Republic / DRC / France) Co-production: Makongo Films × Kiripifilms × Unité. A semi-autobiographical portrait of a Congolese refugee navigating identity and belonging in Bangui. Fariala previously won critical acclaim for his debut documentary "Nous, Étudiants!" (2020).
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STRAWBERRIES (La Más Dulce) by Laïla Marrakchi (Morocco / France / Spain / Belgium) A powerful drama exploring the exploitation of Moroccan women strawberry pickers in Andalusia, Spain. Marrakchi is known for "Marock" (2005) and "Rock the Casbah" (2013).
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BEN'IMANA by Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo (Rwanda / France / Belgium) HISTORIC: First film by a Rwandan director EVER selected for Cannes' Official Selection. A story of a 1994 genocide survivor rebuilding life through reconciliation. Previously won a $40,000 post-production grant and $32,500 Filmmore in-kind award at the 2025 Red Sea Souk Awards. Dusabejambo previously directed the César-nominated short "Imfura" and feature "Today" (Locarno 2022).
The three selections continue a trend of growing African representation at Cannes, complementing the Esiri Brothers' "Clarissa" in Directors' Fortnight. A total of at least 4 African-directed films will screen across Cannes 2026 official sections — the strongest continental showing in recent years.
Source: afrocritik.com