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WME Independent has taken world sales on "Muganga, The One Who Treats," the advocacy-driven drama inspired by the true story of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege, who treats survivors of wartime sexual violence. The film, supported by Angelina Jolie, is having a strong run in French cinemas.
"Muganga" is about real-life Congolese doctor and pastor Denis Mukwege who joins forces with Belgian surgeon and atheist Guy Cadière to treat thousands of women and fight sexual violence in eastern Congo. Jolie, who first met survivors of rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2013, has known and worked alongside Dr. Mukwege for over a decade, campaigning for an end to impunity for the use of rape and sexual violence as weapons of war. Jolie serves as a co-producer on the film.
Following its Sept. 24 release in French cinemas, "Muganga," which is directed by France's Marie-Hélène Roux, has been having a stellar run scoring more than €3 million ($3.5 million) locally to date. Strong critical response and word-of-mouth are now prompting plans for a wider French re-release due to audience demand, according to a WME Independent statement. WME Independent is the film sales and financing arm of the William Morris Endeavor Agency.
Filmed on location in Gabon, "Muganga" stars Cesar-winning actor Isaach De Bankolé as Dr. Mukwege, leading an ensemble cast that also includes Vincent Macaigne, Manon Bresch, Babetida Sadjo and Déborah Lukumuena. The movie won three Valois awards at the Angoulême Film Festival in France, including the prestigious audience award, the youth award, and best actor for De Bankolé.
"The response in France has been extraordinary," said "Muganga" producer Cynthia Pinet of Petites Poupées Production in a statement. "Audiences connected deeply with the film's emotional truth and urgency, and that connection translated into exceptional word of mouth, confirming viewers' appetite for impactful films."
France's Canal+ holds streaming rights to "Muganga," in France and Francophone Africa.
"Muganga" was financed by Canex Creations, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank Afreximbank alongside partners including Canal+, France 3 Cinéma, France Télévisions, France's CNC and Scope Pictures.
Canex Creations CEO Osahon Akpata commented: "At Canex Creations, we believe in backing powerful African stories that matter and ensuring they travel globally. "Muganga, The One Who Treats" is exactly that kind of project: urgent, courageous, and emotionally resonant. With WME Independent now driving worldwide sales, the film is well positioned to reach new audiences and contribute meaningfully to global conversations."
