WME Independent has recorded global sales for the advocacy-driven drama “Mganga, the Healer,” inspired by the true story of Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Dennis Mukwege, who treated survivors of wartime sexual violence. The film received support from Angelina Jolie and is doing well in French cinemas.
“Mganga” tells the story of Denis Mukwege, a real-life Congolese doctor and pastor who works with Belgian surgeon and atheist Guy Cadière to treat thousands of women and fight sexual violence in eastern Congo. Jolie, who first met rape survivors in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2013, has known and worked with Dr Mukwege for more than a decade, campaigning for an end to impunity for rape and the use of sexual violence as weapons of war. Jolie serves as co-producer on the film.
“Mganga,” directed by French director Marie-Hélène Roux, was released in French cinemas on September 24th and has so far grossed more than 3 million euros (approximately 350 million yen) locally. Following strong critical response and word of mouth, plans have been floated for a wider re-release in France in response to audience demand, WME Independent said in a statement. WME Independent is the film sales and financing division of William Morris Endeavor Agency.
Shot on location in Gabon, Muganga stars César Award-winning actor Isaac de Bankole as Dr. Mukwege, leading an ensemble cast that includes Vincent Macaigne, Manon Breche, Babetida Sajo and Deborah Rukumuena. The film won three Valois Awards at France’s Angoulême Film Festival, including the prestigious Audience Award, Youth Award, and Best Actor for de Bankole.
“The response in France has been extraordinary,” Cynthia Pinet, producer of “Mganga” at Petit Poupée Productions, said in a statement. “Audiences deeply connected with the film’s emotional truth and urgency, and that connection resulted in exceptional word-of-mouth, confirming audience appetite for an impactful film.”
France’s Canal+ owns the streaming rights to “Mganga” in France and Francophone Africa.
“Mganga” was financed by Canex Creations, an initiative of African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank in collaboration with partners including Canal+, France 3 Cinéma, France Télévisions, French CNC and Scope Pictures.
Osahon Akpata, CEO of Canex Creations, said: “At Canex Creations, we believe in supporting powerful African stories that matter and ensuring they are heard around the world. Urgent, courageous and emotionally resonant, the film is well positioned to reach new audiences and meaningfully contribute to the global conversation, as WME Independent now has strong global sales.
