Baloji's feature-length debut film to premiere at Cannes festival

The first feature film by Belgian-Congolese musician and actor Baloji, Augure, will premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the festival's general delegate announced on Thursday. The film will be released in the Un Certain Regard section.

After two short films and a performance in the film Binti, Baloji makes his feature-length debut with Augure. The film tells the story of a man who has to leave a Congolese village because he is believed to be a magician. When he returns with his wife, he has to deal with the people who consider him an outsider.

Baloji is best known in Belgium as a rapper. He first appeared on stage 20 years ago as MC Balo with Liège-based hip-hop band Starflam, before going solo.

The 76th Cannes Film Festival takes place from 16 to 27 May.

(BRV)

^{Belgian-Congolese musician/actor and director Baloji © PHOTO CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP}