Rwandan filmmaker Marie-Clémentine Dusabejambo won the Caméra d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday, May 23, 2026 [1].

The victory marks a historic milestone for Rwanda, as it is the first time a filmmaker from the nation has secured the festival's top prize for a debut feature [3].

Dusabejambo received the award for her first feature film, titled Ben'Imana [1]. The Caméra d'Or is presented to the best first-feature entry across the festival's various competitive sections [2]. The ceremony took place in Cannes, France [3].

Following the announcement of the win, Dusabejambo reflected on the experience. "I feel relieved," she said [4].

The film's recognition at one of the world's most prestigious cinema events highlights the growing influence of East African storytelling on the global stage. The award is judged based on the quality of the debut work relative to other first-time directors competing in the festival [2].

“"I feel relieved."”

This award signals a shift in the visibility of Rwandan cinema within the international festival circuit. By securing the Caméra d'Or, Dusabejambo provides a precedent for other African debut directors to gain high-level institutional recognition in Europe, potentially increasing investment and distribution opportunities for regional cinema.