Cannes Prizewinner ‘Omen’ Sells Across Europe for Memento International (EXCLUSIVE)
Memento International has scored further deals on “Omen,” the feature debut of artist and musician turned director Baloji. The film world premiered at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard, where it won the New Voice Award, and was acquired by Utopia for North America.
“Omen” follows Koffie, who after spending years in Belgium, returns home to the Congo to find himself confronted by his past and culture at a family event. Koffie visits his birthplace after being mysteriously ostracized by his family and spending years abroad in Europe. With his soon-to-be wife and unborn child in tow, Koffie’s arrival sets in motion a sprawling, nightmarish and psychedelic fairy tale about ancestry, belief, wrestling, witchcraft and sorcery in Africa today.
More from Variety
The movie was acquired for France (Pan Distribution), Italy (I Wonder), Spain (Filmin), Germany and Austria (Grandfilm), the U.K. (Aya Films), Switzerland (Outside the Box) and Eastern Europe (HBO). The movie will be released by Imagine Film Distribution in Benelux on Nov. 15.
Following its world premiere at Cannes, “Omen” went on to play at Sitges, Karlovy Vary, BFI London Film Festival, Filmfest Munchen and Sarajevo Film Festival.
Baloji was born in Lubumbashi, Congo, in 1978, and was sent to live with his step family in Belgium when he was 3 years old. Separated from his birth parents, he had a troubled childhood and dropped out of school at 15. He later discovered hip-hop and rose to stardom via the influential Belgian group Starflam. He released his first solo album, “Hotel Impala,” in 2007.
Memento International’s recent slate also includes Venice Competition entry “Women Of…” by Małgorzata Szumowska and Michał Englert, as well as “Sisterhood” and “Holiday,” which both played at Toronto.
Best of Variety
Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
