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WME Independent has boarded world sales for the feature film “Muganga, The One Who Treats,” an advocacy driven drama inspired by the real life work of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege. The move comes as the film continues to enjoy notable box office success in France, where strong audience response and critical praise have driven impressive ticket sales and growing demand.
Directed by French filmmaker Marie Hélène Roux, “Muganga, The One Who Treats” tells the story of Congolese doctor and pastor Denis Mukwege, who has dedicated his life to treating survivors of wartime sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The film follows his collaboration with Belgian surgeon and atheist Guy Cadière as the two men work together to heal thousands of women while confronting the brutal use of sexual violence as a weapon of war.
The project is supported by Angelina Jolie, who serves as a co producer. Jolie first met survivors of rape in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in 2013 and has worked closely with Dr. Mukwege for more than a decade. Through her humanitarian advocacy, she has consistently campaigned for an end to impunity for sexual violence in conflict zones, a commitment that directly informs her involvement with the film.
Since its release in French cinemas on September 24, “Muganga, The One Who Treats” has grossed more than three million euros locally. According to WME Independent, the film’s emotional impact and strong word of mouth have prompted plans for a wider French re release to meet audience demand. The sales company, which operates as the film sales and financing arm of the William Morris Endeavor Agency, will now oversee the film’s international rollout.
The film was shot on location in Gabon and stars Cesar winning actor Isaach De Bankolé in the role of Dr. Mukwege. The ensemble cast also includes Vincent Macaigne, Manon Bresch, Babetida Sadjo, and Déborah Lukumuena. “Muganga” has already earned significant recognition on the festival circuit, winning three Valois awards at the Angoulême Film Festival in France, including the audience award, the youth award, and best actor for De Bankolé.
Producer Cynthia Pinet of Petites Poupées Production described the French reception as exceptional, noting that audiences connected deeply with the film’s emotional truth and urgency. She emphasized that this connection translated into remarkable word of mouth, confirming a strong appetite for socially impactful cinema.
Streaming rights for the film in France and Francophone Africa are held by Canal Plus. The project was financed by Canex Creations, an initiative of the African Export Import Bank Afreximbank, in partnership with Canal Plus, France 3 Cinéma, France Télévisions, France’s CNC, and Scope Pictures.
Osahon Akpata, CEO of Canex Creations, said the company is committed to supporting powerful African stories and ensuring they reach global audiences. He described “Muganga, The One Who Treats” as an urgent and courageous film with strong emotional resonance, adding that WME Independent’s involvement positions the project
to contribute meaningfully to international conversations around justice, healing, and human rights.
