French director Alain Gomis‘s “DAO,” a sprawling family epic which world premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival, has been acquired by Janus Films for North American distribution.
Represented internationally by The Party Film Sales, the film marked Gomis’ return to the Berlinale nine years after winning the Silver Bear for “Félicité.” Gomis’ sixth feature, “DAO” emerged as one of the best reviewed films of the festival.
Variety‘s Guy Lodge described the film as “Gomis’ “most vibrantly expansive and accessible” film.
“DAO” unfolds between a wedding in France and a commemorative ceremony in Guinea-Bissau. Gomis, who has Bissau-Guinean and Senegalese origins, wrote and directed the film which stars a mix of actors and newcomers, leading with Katy Correa and D’Johé Kouadio as a mother-and-daughter duo.
Although “DAO” is more intimate than political, Gomis subtly addresses timely themes, such as the impact of colonization, displacement and inherited trauma.
“Each family carries its secrets. Here, there’s something about people who were formed through an absence, whose image of themselves needs repairing,” he said in an interview with Variety. Referring to the generational gap between those who stayed in Africa, and those who emigrated, he explains that “some things weren’t explored, weren’t spoken. You grow up with the feeling that something is missing.”
The Party Film Sales has also closed major international deals on the film to Flamingo in Spain, Films That Matter in Germany, as well as Fivia and MCF MegaComFilm in Ex-Yugoslavia.
In France, the film will be released theatrically on April 29 by Jour2fête, the sister company to The Party Film Sales. “DAO” was produced by Les Films du Worso and Srab Films (“Les Miserables”).