The film, co-produced by The Dark, marks Na N’Hada’s third feature-length film.
By Helena Olori
New York-based film distributor, ArtMattan productions, has acquired the USA rights to the thought-provoking film, Nome, directed by Sana Na N’Hada.
With a runtime of 117 minutes, Nome made its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it was celebrated as an independent auteur film from Guinea-Bissau that tells the story of a former guerrilla fighter’s return to his village after years of fighting against the Portuguese colonial army.
The film, co-produced by The Dark, marks Na N’Hada’s third feature-length film. It is also the only African film to be screened at the ACID section during the 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
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The historical drama, co-written by Virgílio Almeida and Olivier Marboeuf, is a gripping account of the war of independence in Guinea-Bissau during 1969. It follows the conflict between the guerrillas of the African Party for the Independence of Guinea and the Portuguese colonial army.
The film’s protagonist, Nome, embarks on a journey to join the ranks of the guerrillas and becomes a hero after years of dedicated struggle. Upon his return to the village, the initial jubilation gives way to feelings of bitterness and cynicism, a reflection of the human cost of war and liberation.
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Nome‘s Director, Sana Na N’Hada, known for Xime (1994), is a pioneering filmmaker from Guinea-Bissau. He has been instrumental in documenting his country’s history on film, alongside Flora Gomes. Na N’Hada’s filmmaking career began with several short films, some co-directed with Flora Gomes. He also collaborated with Chris Marker, providing footage for Marker’s essay-film, Sans Soleil (1983), and served as an assistant director for Flora Gomes in Mortu Nega.
ArtMattan Films is renowned for distributing films that explore the rich human experiences of people of colour worldwide. They have been at the forefront of introducing diverse perspectives to US audiences for over three decades, with emphasis on Africa, the Caribbean, North and South America, and Europe.
Nome‘s acquisition by ArtMattan will see the film distributed across the United States.