Janus Films Buys Alain Gomis’s Family Epic ‘DAO’ for North America
Variety
by elskesFebruary 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Janus Films has acquired Alain Gomis’s highly acclaimed family epic *DAO* for North American distribution, marking a significant addition to its lineup. The film, which world premiered in competition at the Berlin Film Festival, received widespread critical acclaim and solidified Gomis’s reputation as a leading filmmaker. Known for his 2012 Silver Bear-winning *Félicité*, Gomis returned to the Berlinale with *DAO*, a sweeping narrative that explores themes of identity, displacement, and inherited trauma through the lens of a multigenerational family story.
The film, which spans two continents—linking a wedding in France to a commemorative ceremony in Guinea-Bissau—was written and directed by Gomis, who draws on his own Bissau-Guinean and Senegalese heritage. Starring established actors like Katy Correa and newcomer D’Johé Kouadio as a mother-and-daughter duo, *DAO* balances personal storytelling with broader societal issues. While it avoids overt political commentary, the film subtly addresses the impacts of colonization, displacement, and intergenerational trauma, offering a poignant reflection on how families navigate absence and修复 their sense of self.
Gomis has described *DAO* as his most accessible and expansive work to date, resonating with audiences for its emotional depth and universal themes. The film’s success at the Berlinale was further cemented by major international deals, including distribution agreements with Flamingo in Spain, Films That Matter
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Originally published on Variety on 2/26/2026